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Near-peer teaching has been widely implemented in medical schools and the benefits for the near-peer teachers (NPTs), the students, and the institution have been well documented. However, NPT training methods and perceptions of such have been limited. A four-year clinical anatomy and surgical training program was established (est. 2019) as part of the continuous training timeline for NPTs (n > 60 total) formation at the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, in Mexico. The program provides various training courses for the NPTs according to their hierarchy, including teaching skills, professional development, psychosocial aspects, and career objectives. A "Clinical Anatomy and Surgical Training Diploma" was planned with 12 modules to aid in developing these abilities, along with a higher understanding of clinical anatomy shared by expert clinical specialists, and diverse clinical and surgical skills such as suturing, catheterization, and basic surgical procedures. The program has a completion rate of approximately 15 NPTs/year. All, while creating an environment with a sense of belonging, and facilitating mentorship between fellow NPTs and educators. Near-peer teachers develop leadership, communication, and teaching skills. The program has provided a constant source of anatomy educators, avoiding any shortage.

This study's innovative objective was to develop a personalised learning model to equate students' entry level knowledge as they entered the School of Medicine and Health Sciences at Tecnologico de Monterrey in Mexico in 2019. This was necessitated by a difference in the depth and approach to preparatory content. The methodology focused on adapting the learning process to the students' specific knowledge requirements in cell biology and chemistry courses to enrich knowledge and improve academic performance. We implemented a diagnostic test at the start of the course to determine the students' level of mastery in these subjects. The students were allowed to learn at their own pace and were expected to improve their low initial scores by constructing their learning paths. The professor served as an advisor. At the end of the course the students retook the exam to measured the difference between the diagnostic test results and the terminal level of knowledge. The research design was non-experimental, observing the phenomenon as it occurred in the natural context, using an interval-type scale (quantitative) questionnaire. The analysis of the learning model's results showed an increase in the students' knowledge and satisfaction and demonstrated the model's usefulness for understanding educational content.

The objective of this article is to examine the participation of Mexican researchers in the state of Tamaulipas who are members of Mexico's National Researchers System (SNI) and are working in academic groups. The paper also seeks to understand their perceptions in relation to the usefulness of this structured System to their individual research projects and expertise. Based on a quantitative approach to research, a survey was answered by 46.19% of the total number of researchers in Tamaulipas who were affiliated to the SNI from December 2012 up to date. Data found indicated that an important minority (24%) believed that the work dynamics of the research groups identified are not necessarily more useful than individual academic work to increase research productivity. Additionally, researcher participants pointed out several negative aspects of these structures of knowledge production.

Herpes zoster (HZ) is a common disease in older adults and immunocompromised patients, and is frequently associated with long-term complications that impact quality of life. Fortunately, more than one vaccine against HZ is now available in Mexico. Two expert consensus groups discussed adult vaccination strategies in Mexico, focusing on HZ in older adults and immunocompromised individuals; their insights are reported here. HZ is usually treated inappropriately in Mexico. Late diagnosis and suboptimal management are common, as is a lack of treatment options, particularly for pain, which is often unresponsive to standard painkillers. Improving vaccination rates against HZ in Mexico is therefore important, but several barriers to HZ vaccination exist. It is not included in the national vaccination schedule, where included vaccines usually have higher coverage. Actions to overcome barriers include improving awareness of HZ and vaccine availability, developing and promoting guidelines and recommendations for vaccination, and expanding access and infrastructure for vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anatomical sciences curricula have been under constant reform over the years, with many countries having to reduce course hours while trying to preserve laboratory time. In Mexico, schools have historically been autonomous and unregulated, and data regarding structure and methods are still lacking. A national survey was sent by the Mexican Society of Anatomy to 110 anatomical sciences educators. The questionnaire consisted of 50 items (open and multiple choice) for gross anatomy, microscopic anatomy, neuroanatomy, and embryology courses in medical schools across Mexico. A clinical approach was the most common course approach in all disciplines. Contact course hours and laboratory hours were higher in Mexican anatomy education compared to other countries, with the highest reported contact hours for embryology (133.4 ± 44.1) and histology (125 ± 33.2). There were similar contact hours to other countries for gross anatomy (228.5 ± 60.5). Neuroanatomy course hours (43.9 ± 13.1) were less than reported by the United States and similar to Saudi Arabia and higher than the United Kingdom. Dissection and microscopy with histological slides predominate as the most common laboratory activities. Traditional methods prevail in most of the courses in Mexico and only a few educators have implemented innovative and technological tools. Implementation of new methods, approaches, and curricular changes are needed to enhance anatomical sciences education in Mexico.

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the determinants of the current state of the ELT field in Mexican contexts. In particular, it explores the ways in which diverse social and political factors hamper the successful implementation of national and institutional ELT policies. Drawing on a case study carried out throughout a period of five years, the paper uses three situations to illustrate the ways in which institutional efforts to promote English language teaching are deviated at some point in their developmental stages. The paper concludes by emphasizing the value of research to raise ELT practitioners' awareness of the challenges that the profession faces and proposing ways of overcoming them. (Contains 1 table.)

Introduction. Cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, smoking, and dyslipidemia enfold heart disease morbimortality. Diagonal earlobe crease has been proposed as a prognostic marker of extension and severity of illness in patients with acute coronary syndrome. But its usefulness remains unclear in patients with or without coronary disease. Methods. A case‐control study was carried out on a total of 805 patients with and without cardiovascular risk factors or acute coronary syndrome. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were used to determine the probability of having diagonal earlobe crease with the presence of cardiovascular risk factors and acute coronary syndrome. Data were summarized as odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals and P values. Results. An unadjusted (univariate) analysis showed that being male, being older than 55 years, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, smoking, and dyslipidemia, as well as having acute coronary syndrome, were associated with the presence of diagonal earlobe crease. The multivariate analysis showed that men (OR 1.6, 95% IC 1.1–2.4, P = 0.007), being over 55 years old (OR 4.8, 95% IC 3.2–7.2, P < 0.001), being obese (OR 2.1, 95% IC 1.4–3.1, P < 0.001), having arterial hypertension (1.5, 95% IC 1.1–2.3, P = 0.025), or suffering from acute coronary syndrome (OR 5.3, 95% IC 2.5–11.1, P < 0.001), were independent factors associated with diagonal earlobe crease. The rest of cardiovascular risk factors were not relevant in the multivariate model. Conclusions. In Mexican adults, having an acute coronary syndrome is not the only factor associated with diagonal earlobe crease but also being a man, older than 55 years, having high blood pressure and obesity. Diagonal earlobe crease may simply be caused by changes in the skin and connective tissues of the ears because of the aging process, obesity, and/or being male. These factors, by themselves, enfold cardiovascular risk due to well‐known pathophysiological causes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We summarize the clinical trials (CTs) main characteristics, including members of ethnic minorities from Latin America. We carried out a systematic search in six databases. We made a descriptive synthesis of CTs, summarizing the characteristics, interventions, main findings, results, and conclusions reported. 4411 studies were acquired in search strategy, leaving 24 CTs in the final selection. Of these, ten were randomized, four were non-randomized, and the remainder had other designs. Most of the studies were carried out in the population of infants and children (08), ten of the studies included only women, and two studies included men. Nine studies were conducted in Mexico, with the Mayan ethnic minority being mostly evaluated (05). In only 15 it was mentioned that their research was approved by a research ethics committee. Finally, half of the CTs reported funding from international agencies and third reported funding from government agencies. Our results show that that CTs in ethnic minorities are limited and reduced to a few native peoples of the continent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most anatomists agree that cadaver dissection serves as a superior teaching tool in human anatomy education. However, attitudes toward body donation vary widely between different individuals. A questionnaire was developed to determine the attitudes toward body and organ donation among those who learn the most from cadavers: medical students, medical student teaching assistants, medical students involved in research, and anatomy professors. A cross-sectional, prospective study was designed in which the questionnaire was distributed among first-year human anatomy students before undertaking cadaver dissection at the beginning of the semester, and then again after a commemoration service at the end of the course. The questionnaire items included demographic data, as well as questions designed to characterize participants' attitudes regarding body/organ donation from strangers, family members, and whether participants would consider such practices with their own bodies. Out of a total of 517 students enrolled in the Human Anatomy course in the Medical School at the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Mexico during January to June 2016, 95% responded to the first (491) and second (490) surveys. Participants' opinions on their own organ donation was similar before and after exposure to cadaver dissection, with between 87% and 81% in favor of such practices, and only 3% against it, in both surveys. Participants' willingness to donate their own bodies, as well as those of family members, increased, while reluctance regarding such practices decreased by half (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.05). Professors had the highest rates of positive opinions regarding their own body donation (74.9%), with 18.8% undecided. Low opposition toward organ and body donation remains prevalent among both anatomists and physicians in training in Mexico.

Heliopsis longipes is an endemic species from Sierra Gorda, México. Its collects imply the whole plant destruction due to people only use the root, which contains affinin, a pharmacologically important compound. Thus, H. longipes has been considered as a species in danger of extinction, due to unsustainable exploitation to obtain their roots for affinin commercialization. Moreover, no studies on the genetic diversity of H. longipes have been carried out. Taking together, these aspects suggest that it is urgent to develop strategies for sustainable production and exploitation of H. longipes. Based on the aforementioned, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of the greenhouse acclimation time and the controlled elicitation on morphological, and biochemical variables as well as the affinin content in populations of H. longipes from Central Mexico characterized in genetic diversity. Biochemical variables associated with plant stress response like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activities were measured. Moreover, affinin content was quantified by HPLC and the activity of valine decarboxylase (VDC)-associated to affinin contents was also determined. Additionally, genetic variability of H. longipes populations evaluated using DNA markers was also analyzed to determine genetic diversity of accessions before greenhouse studies. Results on genetic diversity were calculated in the populations from Conca (0.27), SJB (0.15) and Beltran (0.11). The average genetic diversity was 0.21, which places this species in the genetic diversity in danger of extinction. Because of the low genetic diversity found among populations of H. longipes in Central México regions, suggests that any one of the H. longipes populations studied might be used for acclimation in a greenhouse to be used in controlled elicitation studies. Controlled elicitation with 200 mM H2O2 dose significantly increased PAL and VDC enzymatic activities as well as the affinin content in the roots of H. longipes at 7-months of acclimation time in greenhouse. Our results displayed that it was possible to increase affinin content after 7-months acclimation in greenhouse in H. longipes accessions from Central México. Thus also contributing to sustainable exploitation of this species and to decrease its danger of extinction for overexploitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We focused our study on examining the genotype and allele frequency of IL-6 (rs1800795), TNF-α (rs1800629) and IL-10 (rs1800872) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) on preeclampsia (PE) diagnosed Mexican pregnant women. Material and methods: A case-control study was designed including 86 preeclampsia patients and 100 normotensives pregnancies from Women's Hospital of Culiacan, Mexico. Genotyping of IL-6, TNF-α and IL-10 was performed using TaqMan SNP Genotyping. Results: Not significant association was found between development of PE and genotypic (p > 0.05) and allelic (p > 0.05) frequencies of IL-6, TNF-α and IL-10 SNPs. Genotype distributions of IL-6 (p = 0.599), TNF-α (p = 0.721) and IL-10 (p = 0.761) polymorphisms in the two groups were in agreement with Hardy--Weinberg equilibrium. Conclusions: According to the findings, the IL-6, TNF-α and IL-10 SNPs are not exponents of susceptibility to developing PE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies have evaluated resilience in an academic environment as it relates to academic success or failure. This work sought to assess resilience in regular and remedial students of gross anatomy during the first and second semesters of medical school and to correlate this personal trait with academic performance. Two groups of students were compared: the first group included first-year medical students in the regular course, and the second group included first-year medical students who did not pass the regular anatomy course and so were enrolled in the remedial course. Both groups completed anonymous surveys designed to gather demographic data and establish scores on the Connor-Davidson resilience scale, which includes 25 statements rated zero to four on a Likert scale (maximum score 100). The average resilience score was the same for both groups, 80 plus or minus 9. The average anatomy grades differed significantly between regular students (67 plus or minus 15.0) and remedial students (61 plus or minus 12.0). While there was no overall correlation between resilience score and anatomy grade, regular students with resilience scores of 75 or greater showed slightly better academic performance than their classmates. Similarly, remedial students with resilience scores of 87 or greater faired better academically. Resilience does not predict academic performance in gross anatomy, and further work is necessary to identify those intrinsic and extrinsic factors that influence students' achievements. (Contains 3 tables and 1 figure.)

In recent years, Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) technology has been able to determine the semi-static behavior of bridges. However, most of the research about the use of InSAR in the monitoring of bridges has been applied only in deterministic assessments of their performance. Therefore, in the current manuscript, the Usumacinta Bridge, located in Mexico, was evaluated based on a probabilistic methodology to define structural reliability using images from Sentinel-1. In addition, a controlled experiment was developed using a corner reflector (CR) to evaluate the capabilities of InSAR for determining vertical displacements. In the trial, the CR was designed, oriented, and implemented, finding discrepancies concerning leveling of less than 2 mm. On the other hand, the case of the alternative probabilistic approach integrates the reliability of structures theory and probability density functions (PDFs) of displacements obtained via InSAR technology. In summary, the proposed study focused on the analysis of two years of vertical displacements and monthly velocities; then, implementing the alternative probabilistic approach, the reliability index (β) and probability of risk (PR) of the bridge were extracted, respectively. Based on the results of the experimental part of the paper, the displacements indicated maximum and minimum values of reliability index of 8.1 and 3.4, respectively. Within this context, the mean and standard deviation obtained were 5.9 and 1.4, respectively. On the other hand, the monthly velocities showed a maximum probability of risk of 2.61%, minimum value of 1.5 × 10−5%, mean of 0.4%, and standard deviation of 0.8%. Hence, the above-documented results indicate that the Usumacinta Bridge did not suffer any damage during its overloading condition period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Varroa destructor is a damaging mite of Western honey bees (Apis mellifera). Genetic variability of the mite in different regions of the world could be related to the movement of infested bees or other factors, such as climate. In this study, V. destructor samples were collected from tropical and temperate climate regions of Mexico, and a humid continental climate region of Canada. COX-1 AFLPs showed that all the mites were the Korean haplotype. Four microsatellites revealed nine haplogroups from the continental climate region of Canada, compared to three haplogroups from the tropical and temperate climate regions of Mexico. CytII-ATP sequences showed seven haplogroups from the humid continental climate region vs. two haplogroups from the temperate region and one haplogroup from the tropical region. CytB sequences revealed seven haplogroups from Canada vs. three from Mexico. A comparison of the cytB sequences of the samples from Canada and Mexico to those from a worldwide collection showed that one sequence, designated the cytB1 type, predominated, comprising 57% of the 86 sequences; it clustered with similar sequences that comprised 80% of the sequences, designated family A. CytB1 was predominant in Mexico, but not in Canada. The other 20% of sequences were in families B and C, and all those samples originated from East and Southeast Asia. The microsatellite, cytII-ATP, and cytB markers, all showed higher variability in mites collected in Canada than in Mexico, which could be related to the cooler climate or an earlier invasion and/or multiple mite invasions in Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The freight transport industry in Mexico has grown significantly since the establishment of trade agreements in North America, which has brought significant environmental consequences to the main transport corridors. This paper proposes a methodology for the estimation of emissions for freight vehicles on road transportation corridors. The variables included in this analysis allow adequate characterization of the conditions of the vehicle fleet, the geometry and the quality of the road, the environment, and the average annual daily traffic (AADT) of heavy vehicles. The results were structured to show two indicators, the amount of CO2 emissions per kilometer and the amount of emissions per tonne transported. These results will allow establishing a baseline of CO2 emissions through which we can implement actions in the road transport sector to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) to mitigate climate change and develop parameter values for use in Cost Benefit Analysis. The indicators can also be applied to geospatial modeling of emissions in road transport corridors and forecast its growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ecosistemas y Recursos Agropecuarios is the property of Universidad Juarez Autonoma de Tabasco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study investigates the effect of mode of administration of the Raven Standard Progressive Matrices test on distribution, accuracy, and meaning of raw scores. A random sample of high school students take counterbalanced paper-and-pencil and computer-based administrations of the test and answer a questionnaire surveying preferences for computer-delivered test administrations. Administration mode effect is studied with repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance, internal consistency reliability estimates, and confirmatory factor analysis approaches. Results show a lack of test mode effect on distribution, accuracy, and meaning of raw scores. Participants indicate their preferences for the computer-delivered administration of the test. The article discusses findings in light of previous studies of the Raven Standard Progressive Matrices test. (Contains 1 figure, 5 tables and 1 note.)

This paper argues the need for broader criteria than are customarily used, for measuring pupil achievement, school effectiveness and impact on educational policy in the plural and highly unequal societies of Mexico and Central America. We proceed by first presenting the context of highly centralized mainstream educational provision, concentrated in urban areas contrasting with the extremely limited services available in rural communities. Second, we describe grass-roots educational solutions to this latter condition. Finally, we will situate these solutions within the framework of international scholarship on assessment, evaluation and impact measurement in order to permit the achievements of these experiences to be credited and lessons to be drawn from them. We conclude that comprehensive, contest-sensitive evaluation establishes a two way communication between the educational system and local school experience.

The purpose of the present study was to analyse possible developmental trends in sustained attention through the pre-school period, as well as the influence of social and physical distractions. Three samples of children, one per each pre-school grade, were observed during learning activities required by the teacher. Children's behaviour was coded as sustained attention, and as social and non-social categories of disengagement. Sustained attention was observed to linearly increase with pre-school level, while the frequency of social interference of attention decreased. These findings are discussed within the context of studies on developmental trends of sustained attention in natural settings, the influence of social stimuli and the possible involvement of self-control abilities.

Simple Summary: Mexico is an important honey producer, but not much information exists about the health of honey bees in the country. This study analyzed the sanitary status of adult honey bees in five different beekeeping regions of Mexico. Samples from hives were analyzed to identify pests, parasites, and viruses. The mite Varroa destructor was found in 83.5% of the samples, with the Pacific Coast having the highest frequency (>95%) and levels (4.5% ± 0.6). Another mite, Acarapis woodi, was found in only one sample from the Pacific Coast, whereas the fungi Nosema spp. were present in 48.5% of the samples, with the highest frequency in the Yucatan Peninsula (64.6%). For viruses, deformed wing virus (DWV) was more frequently found in the Pacific Coast region (44.7%), and Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV) was detected in only 3.2% of the samples. Sacbrood bee virus (SBV) was frequently found in the High Plateau region (36.4%), and the small hive beetle (SHB) was common in the Yucatan Peninsula (39.2%). This information could be useful to design disease control strategies for honey bee colonies in different regions of Mexico. Mexico is a major honey producer, but not much information exists about the health status of honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) in the country. This study was conducted to determine the sanitary status of adult honey bees in Mexico's five beekeeping regions. Samples from 369 apiaries were diagnosed to identify pathogens such as Varroa destructor, which was quantified, Acarapis woodi, Nosema spp., and five viruses. Colonies were also inspected for the presence of the small hive beetle (SHB), Aethina tumida. Varroa destructor was found in 83.5% of the apiaries, with the Pacific Coast region having the highest prevalence (>95%) and rates (4.5% ± 0.6). Acarapis woodi was detected in only one apiary from the Pacific Coast, whereas Nosema spp. were prevalent in 48.5% of the apiaries, with the highest and lowest frequencies in the Yucatan Peninsula and North regions (64.6% and 10.2%, respectively). For viruses, deformed wing virus (DWV) was detected in 26.1% of the apiaries, with the highest frequency in the Pacific Coast region (44.7%). Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV) was diagnosed in 3.2% of the samples and sacbrood bee virus (SBV) in 23.3% of them, with the highest frequency in the High Plateau region (36.4%). Chronic bee paralysis and Kashmir bee viruses were not detected. SHB prevalence was 25.2% nationwide, with the highest frequency in the Yucatan Peninsula (39.2%). This study shows that the most common parasites of adult honey bees in Mexico are V. destructor and Nosema spp., and that the most prevalent virus is DWV, whereas SHB is highly prevalent in the Yucatan Peninsula. This information could be useful to design disease control strategies for honey bee colonies in different regions of Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mexico-U.S. migration creates situations that may cause psychological distress. The purpose of this research project was to study the impact of father's physical absence due to international migration (FPAIM) on adolescent offspring of rural immigrants from Zacatecas, Mexico. Stressors and compensators were studied from the adolescent's perspective and were analyzed using a stress-mediator-consequences theoretical framework. Qualitative (n = 24) and quantitative (n = 310) methodologies were used with a nonrandom sample of adolescents. Results show that the FPAIM is an ambivalent experience for adolescents that has positive and negative elements. Though migrants' children seem to be more vulnerable to psychosocial stress than are the offspring of nonmigrants, gender, not father's absence, appears to be the most important risk factor for psychological distress.

Studied the role of pubertal development on depression, externalizing behavior problems, self-esteem, and body-image of 951 Mexican early adolescents. Findings show that the acute experience of menarche adversely affected the psychological well-being of girls, specifically in terms of depressive symptomatology. Pubertal change in boys did not appear to affect psychological well-being adversely. (SLD)

The Theory of Evolution (TE) is the backbone of biology and is the best way to explain the diversity of species that exist on the planet. However, despite all the supporting evidence, TE remains poorly understood and accepted. In this study, the levels of acceptance and understanding of TE were measured, respectively, using the Inventory of Student Evolution Acceptance (I-SEA) and Knowledge of Evolution Exam (KEE) questionnaires, in high school students in Monterrey, Mexico (N = 370). The results show that the acceptance of TE ranges from moderate (90.3 out of 120) to high (3.7 out of 5), depending on the scale with which it is measured, while the level of comprehension is low (4.5 out of 10). Statistical analysis of the data collected reveals that there is a positive relationship between acceptance and understanding of TE (r = 0.34). In addition, the proportions of I-SEA and KEE were evaluated based on several factors, such as religion and educational level of the parents, among others. It was found that the level of education of the parents positively affects the understanding of the basic concepts of TE, while religion is the main factor of negative influence on both acceptance and understanding. Finally, the low comprehension shown in this study suggests a revision and readjustment of the contents that are taught in the upper secondary education curriculum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The State of Michoacan has a wide and rich architectural heritage which is represented by different vernacular typologies which employ different materials and techniques according to the local resources. However, this wide knowledge and cultural heritage are disappearing, with several monuments and buildings being abandoned due to new dynamics and social changes. The traditional techniques have been substituted for modern and industrial construction systems since they are associated with obsolete ways of life. Through international cooperation for development and research projects, many activities were carried out to analyze the durability of local materials and vernacular constructions of the state. The main ones included the architectural survey and inspection of these buildings, photographic and drone surveys, characterization in the laboratory and oral interviews with local users. During the field work, these interviews with the local population, the creation of multimedia content and the use of audiovisual methods had crucial importance in the documentation of this local knowledge and culture, being great methods for scientific communication and dissemination. The main product is the documentary Xirangua, which means 'roots' in the Purépecha language, the main indigenous ethnicity in the state. This documentary explores the traditional architecture and construction of Michoacan, showing the reality within the loss of this vernacular heritage and portraying the importance of its conservation through the perspective of the local population, users and artisans. The use of these audiovisual techniques has demonstrated to be a suitable option to promote and preserve cultural heritage and educate, include the local actors in the process, and make the general public aware of the current issues, with this being one of the first works which explores this approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Ursus americanus Pallas 1780 is the largest carnivore and the only ursid in Mexico. It is considered an endangered species in the country because its distribution and population have been reduced by up to 80% because of habitat loss or furtive hunting. These problems can lead to a diet change, which could result in metabolic disorders, such as fatty acid β-oxidation defects or organic acid metabolism disorders. In our study, a free amino acid and acylcarnitine profile was characterized. Methods: Peripheral blood samples were drawn from nine free-ranging black bears in a period of five months, from June to October of 2019 in Northeastern Mexico, and 12 amino acids and 30 acylcarnitines were determined and quantified. Age differences were observed in the samples through ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey test. Results: Only three metabolites showed a significant difference with age: alanine (Ala) [cubs vs juvenile], free-carnitine (C0) [juvenile vs cubs] and acetylcarnitine (C2) [cubs vs adults and juvenile vs cubs]. Conclusion: Metabolites with variability due to age were identified, making them potential biomarkers to monitor metabolic status as early diagnosis in endangered species. This is the first study of black bear amino acid and acylcarnitine profiles, and the values found could be used as reference for free amino acid and acylcarnitine concentrations in further studies of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The risk of herpes zoster (HZ) increases with age. In countries with an ageing population such as Mexico, a rise in the risk of HZ and complications is expected. The goal of this study was to provide an updated estimate of the potential burden of HZ and associated complications in Mexico. Methods: A retrospective database study was performed using data from the national surveillance database of the Ministry of Health (Secretaría de Salubridad y Asistencia/Dirección General de Información en Salud). HZ cases and associated complications were identified via the International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision codes. Emergency room (ER) visits, hospitalizations, and deaths were extracted and analyzed by age group and year. The observation period was between 2011 and 2020 for ER visits and hospitalizations and between 2011 and 2019 for deaths. Cumulative incidence per 1000 people and case fatality rate were estimated. Results: During the observation period, 53,030 ER visits, 4172 hospitalizations, and 263 deaths due to HZ were reported nationwide. The cumulative incidence of HZ based on ER visits was 1.04 per 1000 people aged ≥ 50 years but increased in older age groups (1.47 per 1000 people aged ≥ 65 years). The most common complications were neuralgia (10.9%), ocular disease (7.0%), meningoencephalitis (2.9%), and disseminated disease (3.1%). Patients ≥ 65 years accounted for 37% of hospitalizations and 81% of deaths. Conclusion: In Mexico, HZ and its complications impose a considerable burden on the population and the healthcare system. Prospective surveillance studies are required to obtain an accurate picture of the current epidemiology of HZ in Mexico and to estimate the benefits of future vaccination strategies against HZ. Plain Language Summary: Herpes zoster (HZ), also called shingles, is a disease typically characterized by a painful skin rash. It affects mostly older adults and immunocompromised populations. Approximately 30% of patients have complications such as prolonged, severe pain; eye disease; or disease affecting parts of the body other than the skin. In this study, we analyzed national passive surveillance data for HZ disease and related complications in Mexico. Over the last 10 years (2011–2020), more than 50,000 cases and 4000 hospitalizations have been observed. In those, 263 people died, and most of the deaths (81%) occurred in people aged 65 years or older. Since the proportion of older people in the Mexican population will increase over the next decades, herpes zoster will probably become more frequent and complicated. Vaccination against HZ could help protect the older population against this serious disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal Electrical Engineering / Revista de Ingenieri´a Ele´ctrica is the property of ECORFAN-Mexico S.C. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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Simple Summary: The mite Varroa destructor, the viruses that it transmits, and the fungus Nosema ceranae, are among the main drivers of honey bee (Apis mellifera) colony losses. Honey bees are the main pollinators of flowering plants and contribute to one-third of food produced. Therefore, it is important to find out if there are honey bee strains that defend themselves better against these agents of disease. This study was conducted to determine if Africanized honey bees are more resistant than European honey bees to parasitic and viral diseases, as well as if their resistance is affected by climate. Consequently, the presence and levels of parasites and viruses was determined in 365 honey bee colonies of European or African ancestry in subtropical and temperate regions of Mexico. Varroa and Nosema were the most and least frequently found parasites (95% and 15%, respectively). Deformed wing virus (DWV) and black queen cell virus (BQCV) were the only viruses detected at frequencies of 38% and 66%, respectively. Varroa, DWV, and BQCV, were found at higher levels in colonies of European ancestry than in colonies of African ancestry. However, there were no effects of climate. Therefore, it is concluded that bee strain, but not climate, influences the resistance of honey bees to DWV, BQCV, and Varroa. This study was conducted to analyze the effect of genotype and climate on the resistance of honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies to parasitic and viral diseases. The prevalence and intensity of parasitism by Varroa destructor, or infection by Nosema spp., and four honey bee viruses were determined in 365 colonies of predominantly European or African ancestry (descendants of A. m. scutellata) in subtropical and temperate regions of Mexico. Varroa destructor was the most prevalent parasite (95%), whilst N. ceranae was the least prevalent parasite (15%). Deformed wing virus (DWV) and black queen cell virus (BQCV) were the only viruses detected, at frequencies of 38% and 66%, respectively. Varroa destructor was significantly more prevalent in colonies of European ancestry (p < 0.05), and the intensity of parasitism by V. destructor or infection by DWV and BQCV was also significantly higher in colonies of European descent than in African descent colonies (p < 0.01), although no genotype–parasite associations were found for N. ceranae. Additionally, significant and positive correlations were found between V. destructor and DWV levels, and the abundance of these pathogens was negatively correlated with the African ancestry of colonies (p < 0.01). However, there were no significant effects of environment on parasitism or infection intensity for the colonies of both genotypes. Therefore, it is concluded that the genotype of honey bee colonies, but not climate, influences their resistance to DWV, BQCV, and V. destructor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection is a leading cause of viral hepatitis in children, yet the HAV vaccine is not included in the national immunization program (NIP) in Mexico. This study addresses an identified evidence gap of the burden of hepatitis A disease, complications, and associated costs in Mexico by analyzing surveillance and healthcare data. Data review included disease morbidity (incidence and hospitalization), mortality, and healthcare resource utilization costs. Methods: In this observational, retrospective database study, we conducted a systematic screening, extraction, and analysis of outcome data from the national surveillance system in Mexico from January 2000 to December 2019. Results: During the analysis period (2000–2019), the average incidence rate/year of HAV cases was 14.7 (5.4–21.5) per 100,000 inhabitants. Children 1–9 years of age (YoA) had the highest average incidence rate/year with 47.8 (14.7–74.5). The average hospitalization rate/year due to HAV infection was 5.8% (2.9–9.6%). Although the highest burden of HAV continued to be in children (1–9 YoA), an increase in incidence and hospitalizations (with complications) in older age groups (≥ 10–64 YoA) was observed. The annual average fatality rate was estimated to be 0.44% (0.26–0.83%) of which 28.8% of deaths were concentrated in adults ≥ 65 YoA. The total direct costs of medical attention due to HAV and related complications were estimated at $382 million Mexican pesos. Conclusion: The overall results suggest an uptrend in HAV infections in adolescents/adults compared to children in Mexico. Therefore, as the overall incidence risk of HAV infection decreases, the mean age of infection increases. This consequently increases the risk of severity and complications in older age groups, thus increasing the demand for healthcare resources. Our findings provide evidence for including the inactivated HAV vaccine in the Mexican NIP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2017 Puebla Earthquake on 19 September struck a big part of central Mexico causing the loss of historic buildings in several states, being the state of Morelos one of the most damaged in the whole country. Jojutla de Juarez was the most affected locality of Morelos presenting important structural damages or total collapse in the built heritage, being the traditional earthen buildings, made of adobe bricks, the most vulnerable buildings to seismic efforts. Some of the causes which contributed to the poor behaviour of the buildings were the improper handling of the constructive systems and materials, the insufficient resistance of the structures and the problems with the foundations. The adobe houses of Jojutla presented a mixture between the traditional building techniques and industrial materials like concrete, cement and steel; also with irregular heights and plant layouts and inadequate connections between the walls and foundations and roofs, resulting into a higher seismic vulnerability when the earthquake impacted. Also the adobe bricks presented irregularities in its composition and use of additives which resulted in completely different typologies and the loss of the traditional construction techniques. A study was conducted to determine the properties of the remains of the adobe bricks of the houses in Jojutla, considering that the structures were severely damaged and a whole study of the seismic vulnerability would not be convenient due the loss of the physical traditional buildings. The grain size and composition of the adobe samples of the buildings were determined as well as the natural aggregates like straw, sand, and its proportion. A colorimetric study of the adobes and clays was also conducted, analysing the change of colour on account of the aggregates in the bricks. Also the compressive strength of the pieces was tested with two methods: the compression test and the point-load test, in order to obtain the indicative values which could be compared to other patrimonial and vernacular study cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study's innovative objective was to develop a personalised learning model to equate students' entry level knowledge as they entered the School of Medicine and Health Sciences at Tecnologico de Monterrey in Mexico in 2019. This was necessitated by a difference in the depth and approach to preparatory content. The methodology focused on adapting the learning process to the students' specific knowledge requirements in cell biology and chemistry courses to enrich knowledge and improve academic performance. We implemented a diagnostic test at the start of the course to determine the students' level of mastery in these subjects. The students were allowed to learn at their own pace and were expected to improve their low initial scores by constructing their learning paths. The professor served as an advisor. At the end of the course the students retook the exam to measured the difference between the diagnostic test results and the terminal level of knowledge. The research design was non-experimental, observing the phenomenon as it occurred in the natural context, using an interval-type scale (quantitative) questionnaire. The analysis of the learning model's results showed an increase in the students' knowledge and satisfaction and demonstrated the model's usefulness for understanding educational content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed changes in disparities associated with ethnicity and skin color in lack of access to food and health in the Mexican adult population between 2002 and 2012 through the World Values Survey (WVS) databases, period during which disparities in life satisfaction decreased. In both years it was observed that, compared to whites, among dark and light brown people, the perception of poor and fair health status was more frequent. In 2012, the experience of food insecurity was more frequent among dark brown people; in addition, access to health services was lower among light and dark brown and indigenous people. These results show the need for policies aimed at reducing racist health disparities in Mexico, which not only affect indigenous people, but also dark brown people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recurrent vasovagal syncope is common, responds poorly to treatment, and causes physical trauma and poor quality of life. Midodrine prevents hypotension and syncope during tilt tests in patients with vasovagal syncope.Objective: To determine whether midodrine can prevent vasovagal syncope in usual clinical conditions.Design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01456481).Setting: 25 university hospitals in Canada, the United States, Mexico, and the United Kingdom.Patients: Patients with recurrent vasovagal syncope and no serious comorbid conditions.Intervention: Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to placebo or midodrine and followed for 12 months.Measurements: The primary outcome measure was the proportion of patients with at least 1 syncope episode during follow-up.Results: The study included 133 patients who had had a median of 6 syncope episodes in the prior year (median age, 32 years; 73% female). Compared with patients receiving placebo, fewer patients receiving midodrine had at least 1 syncope episode (28 of 66 [42%] vs. 41 of 67 [61%]). The relative risk was 0.69 (95% CI, 0.49 to 0.97; P = 0.035). The absolute risk reduction was 19 percentage points (CI, 2 to 36 percentage points), and the number needed to treat to prevent 1 patient from having syncope was 5.3 (CI, 2.8 to 47.6). The time to first syncope was longer with midodrine (hazard ratio, 0.59 [CI, 0.37 to 0.96]; P = 0.035; log-rank P = 0.031). Adverse effects were similar in both groups.Limitation: Small study size, young and healthy patients, relatively short observation period, and high proportion of patients from 1 center.Conclusion: Midodrine can reduce the recurrence of syncope in healthy, younger patients with a high syncope burden.Primary Funding Source: The Canadian Institutes of Health Research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. The present study evaluated the quality of medical care for patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HBP), and both pathologies (DM+HBP) within a public health system in Mexico. Methods. 45,498 patients were included from 2012 to 2015. All information was taken from the electronic medical record database. Each patient record was compared against the standard to test the quality of medical care. Results. Glycemia with hypertension goals reached 29.6% in DM+HBP, 48.6% in DM, and 53.2% in HBP. The goals of serum lipids were reached by 3% in DM+HBP, 5% in DM, and 0.2% in HBP. Glycemia, hypertension, and LDL cholesterol reached 0.04%. 15% of patients had an undiagnosed disease. Clinical follow-up examinations reached 20% for foot examination and clinical eye examination. Specialty referrals reached 1% in angiology or cardiology. Conclusion. Goals for glycemic and hypertension reached 50% in the overall population, while serum lipids, clinical follow-up examinations, and referral to a specialist were deficient. Patients who had both diseases had more consultations, better control for hypertension and lipids, but inferior glycemic control. Overall, quality care for DM and/or HBP has not been met according to the standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Currently, the exact incidence of Polymorphic Eruption of Pregnancy (PEP) in the Mexican population is unknown. PEP tends to manifest in the abdomen, primarily in the stretch marks caused by distension. It is characterized by severely pruritic urticarial‐like papules that converge in plaques, extending to the buttocks and proximal thighs. Our study determined its incidence, along with other common dermatoses in pregnancy. Methods: Patients between 14 and 45 years of age were evaluated. In each patient, a complete medical history and physical examination was performed with emphasis on skin and adnexa. Patients were followed until the end of their pregnancy. Results: A total of 217 women were included. PEP was identified in three patients (1.38%), all primigravida, with single fetus pregnancy, and all concluded their pregnancy by vaginal delivery. The neonates were 2 females and 1 male. No other gestational pathologies were identified. Conclusions: We identified a higher incidence of PEP than reported, without association to complications or need for medical management. There may be an association between high maternal weight and the presence of PEP, however a larger sample is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New hadrosaurid postcranial material is reported, collected near Presa San Antonio, Parras de la Fuente municipality, Coahuila, Mexico, in a sedimentary sequence belonging to the upper Campanian of the Cerro del Pueblo Formation, in the Parras Basin. The skeletal remains include partial elements from the pelvic girdle (left ilium, right pubis, ischium, and incomplete sacrum), a distal end of a left femur, almost complete right and left tibiae, right metatarsals II and IV, cervical and caudal vertebrae. Also, partially complete forelimb elements are present, which are still under preparation. The pubis shows characters of the Lambeosaurinae morphotypes, but the lack of cranial elements does not allow us to directly differentiate this specimen from the already described hadrosaurid taxa from the studied area, such as Velafrons coahuilensis, Latirhinus uitstlani, and Kritosaurus navajovius. This specimen, referred as Lambeosaurinae indet., adds to the fossil record of the hadrosaurids in southern Laramidia during the Campanian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and hypothesis: The objective was to determine the mean morphometric characteristics of the rectovaginal septum (RVS) and its variations in correlation with the number of pregnancies, method of delivery, parity, and estrogenic exposure. Methods: An observational, cross-sectional, retrospective, descriptive, and comparative study was carried out. Pelvic MRI of Hispanic women (≥15 years of age) from the northeast of Mexico were obtained. Age and obstetric and gynecological history were registered and the sample women were categorized by their variables. Length and thickness measurements were standardized. Results: A total of 102 MRI studies were included, with a mean age of 41; 24.5% were nulligravida, the rest primi- or multigravida. Vaginal delivery was the most common type (49.35%), 16.88% had a cesarean section, and 31.17% had mixed delivery. 74.5% of the women were premenopausal. The mean RVS length was 73.2 ± 15.3 mm, with a thickness of 2.8 ± 1.7, 2.2 ± 1.2, and 2.5 ± 1.3 mm for the upper, middle, and lower thirds respectively. There were tendencies to increase the length of the RVS, and the thickness of the upper and middle thirds in the non-pregnancy and the at-least-one-pregnancy groups; to increase the length and middle-third thickness in those with mixed delivery, and increased upper- and lower-third thickness in those with only a cesarean section. Multiparous women with vaginal delivery had significantly longer and thicker RVS than primiparous. Premenopausal women had significantly longer RVS with a tendency to lose thickness toward postmenopause. Conclusions: The morphology of RVS can be modified by different factors such as age, number of pregnancies, number of births, and estrogenic exposure. This structure should be evaluated and taken into account in preoperative management and surgical technique planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melipona colimana is a stingless bee endemic to the temperate regions of Jalisco, Mexico, where it provides pollinating services and is cultured for the production of honey and cerumen. There is little information about the sanitary status of M. colimana, but it is critical to know more about it to keep these bees healthy and productive. The proximity of M. colimana colonies to commercial honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies could facilitate pathogens transmission between the two species. We determined the presence, replication, and levels of two variants of deformed wing virus (DWV-A and DWV-B), and black queen cell virus (BQCV) in samples of M. colimana and A. mellifera. We also compared the DWV-A variant with variants from other regions of the world. Both A. mellifera and M. colimana were positive to DWV-A and BQCV, but negative to DWV-B. Quantification analyses showed that A. mellifera had significantly higher levels of DWV-A and BQCV than did M. colimana. Additionally, evidence of DWV-A and BQCV replication in M. colimana was demonstrated by visualizing the minus-strand of DWV and BQCV RNA using tagged primers for RT-PCR. The DWV-A variant did not seem to be atypical compared to variants from other world regions. Due to the importance of M. colimana for the conservation of regional ecosystems as well as for its use for honey and cerumen production, the potential impact of multiplying honey bee viruses in M. colimana populations deserves further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Pertussis is a leading cause of infant mortality in Mexico. • Impact of maternal immunisation on morbidity and mortality trends was analysed. • Since 2013, maternal vaccination coverage reached 70–93%. • Significant drop after Tdap in cases, hospitalisations and deaths in young infants. • The maternal Tdap immunisation programme reduces pertussis infant burden in Mexico. Pertussis is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by Bordetella pertussis and a leading cause of infant mortality in Mexico. The Tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine was recommended in the Mexican Immunisation Programme for pregnant women in 2013. We describe pertussis morbidity and mortality trends in infants ≤2 and ≤12 months of age), before and after maternal Tdap immunisation implementation in Mexico. An ecological retrospective database study was performed in the Mexican National and Workers Social Security Institutes (IMSS; ISSSTE). Data were collected on confirmed pertussis ambulatory cases, hospitalisations, and deaths, plus vaccination coverage (Tdap; Diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis [DTPa]) and population estimates. Descriptive and regression time-trend analyses were performed for pertussis morbidity and mortality in infants between pre- (2010–2012) and post- (2014–2018) maternal Tdap immunisation periods. Around 1 million infants a year are covered in IMSS/ISSSTE databases. Average full primary infant DTPa vaccine coverage was 71.4%-72.7% nationally. Since 2013, annual maternal Tdap vaccine coverage ranged from 70%-93%. Between 2010-2018, 2,024 pertussis cases, 2,518 hospitalisations and 71 deaths were reported in infants. Among infants 0–2 months old (maternal immunisation target group), there was a significant decrease, post-maternal vaccination, in pertussis incidence (49.9%, p < 0.000), hospitalisation (70.0%, p < 0.000) and mortality (82.4%, p = 0.003). In infants 0–12 months old, pertussis hospitalisations (28.9%, p = 0.000) and mortality (36.2%, p = 0.059) decreased, but incidence increased (61.8%, p = 0.000). After maternal immunisation was implemented, there was a decreasing trend in incidence, hospitalisation and death due to pertussis in infants 0–2 months old. Increases in incidence reported in 0–12-month-olds are likely due to major changes in diagnosis and reporting introduced during the study period as well as limited vaccination and health coverage in some states. These findings confirm the important contribution of the Tdap maternal immunisation programme in reducing pertussis disease burden, particularly severe disease, among infants in Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A known kaurenoic acid (1), together with a new kaurane derivative named 3α-isobutyryloxykaurenoic acid (2), was isolated from the roots of Lasianthaea aurea, a plant endemic to Mexico. The compounds were characterized using their physical and spectroscopic data. In order to verify the structure and absolute configuration of 2, the derived methyl ester 3, obtained after diazomethane treatment, was subjected to single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, whose Flack and Hooft parameter calculations evidenced that the new natural product is an ent-kaurane derivative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iranian wheat landrace accessions (IWAs) were collected from country‐wide farm fields and market places in 1935 by a professor at the University of Tehran and shared with University of California at Davis, California. IWAs were further submitted to the genebank of International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Mexico. 2,403 IWAs from CIMMYT's genebank were assayed by DArT‐seq technology to assess genetic diversity. No apparent ecogeographic patterns related to genetic diversity were detected, probably due to long‐term transport and frequent interchange of landraces among farmers. A multivariate clustering procedure combining genotypic and phenotypic information was used in selecting a core‐set, which represented 15% of the hexaploid wheat accessions included in this study. This subset captured an estimated 93% of rare (frequency <0.05) alleles. Multisite phenotypic data (India, Mexico) validated the ability of the core‐set in detecting useful variants. Potential donor accessions for multiple traits (disease resistance, zinc concentration) were identified from the core‐set for wheat‐breeding. This report illustrates a breeder friendly robust core‐set formulation strategy for harnessing the useful genetic variation stored in the genebanks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To describe the primary cancer sites and clinical features of choroidal metastasis in Mexican patients. Methods: This was a retrospective, observational, and multi-center study. Data were recollected from 6 ophthalmological hospitals in Mexico from patients with choroidal metastasis diagnosed from 2000 to 2018. Results: Seventy-eight patients were studied: 43 were female and 35 were male. Mean age at presentation was 57.6 years. Overall, primary cancer sites were: 1) breast: 27 cases (34.6%); 2) lung: 19 cases (24.3%); 3) unknown: 8 cases (10.2%); 4) gastrointestinal: 7 cases (8.9%); 5) renal: 5 cases (6.4%); 6) testicular: 3 cases (3.8%); 7) ovary: 3 Cases (3.8%); 8) prostate: 2 cases (2.5%); 9) thyroid: 2 cases (2.5%); 10) carcinoid: 1 case (1.2%); and 11) multiple myeloma: 1 case (1.2%). Divided by gender, for women, the main three sites were: breast, unknown, and ovary. For men, the main three sites were: lung, gastrointestinal, and testicular. Oldest cases were breast cancer (87 and 85 years); youngest cases were testicular (23 and 25 years). Solitary lesions were observed in 56 cases (71.7%); multiple lesions were observed in 22 cases (28.2%). Forty-two cases had a white or yellowish color, while 6 cases presented an orange color. Conclusion: Primary cancer sites and clinical features of choroidal metastasis in Mexican patients show important differences from other populations previously studied, mainly the presence of a higher proportion of gastrointestinal and renal cancer, as well as higher incidence of ovarian and testicular cancer. These types of cancer, although not as common as breast or lung, need to be taken into account when studying Mexican patients living abroad. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the usefulness of the serum concentration of nine matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) as biomarkers of spontaneous abortion.Methods: A retrospective nested cohort case-control study was carried out in Zacatecas, Mexico. MMP-1-3, MMP-7-10, and MMP-12-13 were analyzed in serum from women who had spontaneous abortion of unknown causes (n = 7), who suffered abortions attributed to urinary tract infection (n = 7) and from those with healthy pregnancies without complications (controls; n = 20). Protein profiles were determined between 11 and 13 weeks of gestation (GW) using the Bio-Plex Pro Human MMP Panel. Differences in serum MMP concentrations between the study groups and their correlation with clinical findings were evaluated statistically.Results: There were differences in serum concentrations of MMP-9 between groups of spontaneous abortion of unknown cause (13.2 ± 7.5 ng/µL), abortion attributed to urinary tract infection (11.6 ± 5.8 ng/µL) and the controls (11.8 ± 16.5 ng/µL) (p = .022). Compared with controls, higher serum concentrations of MMP-8, MMP-9, and MMP-10 were observed in the group of spontaneous abortions of unknown causes (p value < .05). A negative correlation between MMP-8 and MMP-9 and urine density was also identified (r = -0.949, p value = .0167; and r = -0.947, p = .0167).Conclusions: Elevated serum concentrations of MMP-8, MMP-9, and MMP-10 were associated and preceded by the appearance of spontaneous interruption of pregnancy of unknown causes. Our results support the hypothesis that altered MMP modulation may be related with the pathogenesis of spontaneous abortion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mexico is still in the growing phase of the epidemic of coronary heart disease (CHD), with mortality increasing by 48% since 1980. However, no studies have analyzed the drivers of these trends. We aimed to model CHD deaths between 2000 and 2012 in Mexico and to quantify the proportion of the mortality change attributable to advances in medical treatments and to changes in population-wide cardiovascular risk factors. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis using the previously validated IMPACT model to explain observed changes in CHD mortality in Mexican adults. The model integrates nationwide data at two-time points (2000 and 2012) to quantify the effects on CHD mortality attributable to changes in risk factors and therapeutic trends. Results: From 2000 to 2012, CHD mortality rates increased by 33.8% in men and by 22.8% in women. The IMPACT model explained 71% of the CHD mortality increase. Most of the mortality increases could be attributed to increases in population risk factors, such as diabetes (43%), physical inactivity (28%) and total cholesterol (24%). Improvements in medical and surgical treatments together prevented or postponed 40.3% of deaths; 10% was attributable to improvements in secondary prevention treatments following MI, while 5.3% to community heart failure treatments. Conclusions: CHD mortality in Mexico is increasing due to adverse trends in major risk factors and suboptimal use of CHD treatments. Population-level interventions to reduce CHD risk factors are urgently needed, along with increased access and equitable distribution of therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]