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The expression of the Fasciola hepatica carboxylesterase type B (CestB) gene is known to be induced upon exposure to the anthelmintic triclabendazole (TCBZ), leading to a substantial rise in enzyme-specific activity. Furthermore, the nucleotide sequence of the CestB gene displays variations that can potentially result in radical amino acid substitutions at the ligand binding site. These substitutions hold the potential to impact both the ligand–protein interaction and the catalytic properties of the enzyme. Thus, the objective of our study was to identify novel CestB polymorphisms in TCBZ-resistant parasites and field isolates obtained from a highly endemic region in Central Mexico. Additionally, we aimed to assess these amino acid polymorphisms using 3D modeling against the metabolically oxidized form of the anthelmintic TCBZSOX. Our goal was to observe the formation of TCBZSOX-specific binding pockets that might provide insights into the role of CestB in the mechanism of anthelmintic resistance. We identified polymorphisms in TCBZ-resistant parasites that exhibited three radical amino acid substitutions at positions 147, 215, and 263. These substitutions resulted in the formation of a TCBZSOX-affinity pocket with the potential to bind the anthelmintic drug. Furthermore, our 3D modeling analysis revealed that these amino acid substitutions also influenced the configuration of the CestB catalytic site, leading to alterations in the enzyme's interaction with chromogenic carboxylic ester substrates and potentially affecting its catalytic properties. However, it is important to note that the TCBZSOX-binding pocket, while significant for drug binding, was located separate from the enzyme's catalytic site, rendering enzymatic hydrolysis of TCBZSOX impossible. Nonetheless, the observed increased affinity for the anthelmintic may provide an explanation for a drug sequestration type of anthelmintic resistance. These findings lay the groundwork for the future development of a molecular diagnostic tool to identify anthelmintic resistance in F. hepatica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Berries comprise an economically important group of crops. Knowledge about their arthropod pests and biological control agents is important in the development of more efficient integrated pest management programs. Identification of potential biocontrol agents based solely on morphological attributes may be difficult and so molecular techniques should be incorporated. Here we studied the species diversity of predatory mites in the family Phytoseiidae, and how this diversity is affected by the berry species and crop management approaches, specifically pesticide application regimes. We sampled 15 orchards in the State of Michoacán, Mexico. Sites were selected based on berry species and pesticide regimes. Mite identification was achieved by combining morphological attributes and molecular techniques. Phytoseiidae diversity was compared amongst blackberry, raspberry and blueberry. Subsequently we studied the effect of berry species and pesticide regime on the abundance of the most prevalent phytoseiid species. We identified 11 species of phytoseiid mites. The greatest species diversity was found in raspberry, followed by blackberry and then blueberry. The most abundant species were Typhlodromalus peregrinus and Neoseiulus californicus. The abundance of T. peregrinus was significantly affected by pesticide application but not by berry species. In contrast, abundance of N. californicus was significantly affected by berry species but not by pesticide regime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prostate cancer is the main risk factor that increases mortality in men worldwide. Recently, the National Institute of Statistics and Geography of Mexico reported the percentage of mortality from prostate cancer in men of 10.89/10,000 (60 and > 60 years) for patients with this clinical pathology in 2020. This research aimed to evaluate statistical data on prostate cancer in the southern population of Mexico. Mortality rates in southern Mexico were evaluated in 23,527 men with prostate cancer in 1979-2020 years using some data sources such as GLOBOCAN 2020, the Information System of the Mexican Ministry of Health, Google Scholar, and PubMed. The data showed that mortality in patients with prostate cancer in Veracruz City was higher (2018) compared to Campeche (219), Chiapas (977), Guerrero (724), Oaxaca (1356), Quintana Roo (623), and Yucatan (603). The results showed that aging is a risk factor for developing prostate cancer. Besides, this phenomenon could be conditioned through increases in the population of each Mexico city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mexican lineage H7N3 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) has persisted in Mexican poultry since its first isolation in 2012. To date, the detection of this virus has gradually expanded from the initial one state to 18 states in Mexico. Despite the HPAIV H7N3 outbreak occurring yearly, the transmission pathways have never been studied, disallowing the establishment of effective control measures. We used a phylogenetic approach to unravel the transmission pathways of 2022 H7N3 HPAIVs in the new outbreak areas in Northern Mexico. We present genetic data of H7N3 viruses produced from 18 poultry farms infected in the spring of 2022. Our results indicate that the virus responsible for the current outbreak in Northern Mexico evolved from the Mexican lineage H7N3 HPAIV discovered in 2012. In the current outbreak, we identified five clusters of infection with four noticeably different genetic backgrounds. It is a cluster IV-like virus that was transmitted into one northern state causing an outbreak, then spreading to another neighboring northern state, possibly via a human-mediated mechanical transmission mechanism. The long-distance transmission event highlights the necessity for the more rigorous enforcement of biosafety measures in outbreaks. Additionally, we examined the evolutionary processes shaping the viral genetic and antigenic diversities. It is imperative to enhance active surveillance to include birds, the environment, and humans to detect HPAI in domestic poultry at an earlier point and eliminate it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Telos is the property of Revista Telos 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.)

Background: Habitat loss and fragmentation in the Sierra Madre Oriental (SMO) ecological corridor have negative impacts on the movement and distribution of mammalian species that are of great ecological and evolutionary importance. Part of the SMO ecological corridor that is located in the state of Hidalgo is less studied despite being a potential dispersal route for mammals. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the presence and activity of terrestrial mammals in the riparian and non-riparian zones of SMO. Results: Camera traps detected 15 mammalian species (i.e., 14 native and 1 domestic) in the non-riparian zone, and 12 mammalian species in the riparian zone (i.e., 10 wild and 2 domestic). The riparian corridor was mainly used by opportunistic medium-sized carnivores, while large carnivores and their potential prey were more frequent in the non-riparian zone. Conclusions: Our findings suggest terrestrial mammals avoid the use of natural corridors due to the presence of domestic dogs, cattle and humans and look for new dispersal routes to move through their habitat and find the resources they need to survive. Even though some species can use disturbed corridors to move and find resources, they will change their activity patterns to avoid contact with humans and potential threats like dogs. It is, therefore, crucial to identify not one, but several corridors that must be preserved to improve the connectivity of terrestrial mammals in disturbed landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) primarily infects livestock and is transmitted by direct contact and vectored by Culicoides midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). Endemic to Central and South America, specific VSV lineages spread northward out of endemic regions of Mexico and into the U.S. sporadically every five to ten years. In 2012, a monophyletic epidemic lineage 1.1 successfully spread northward into the U.S. In contrast, the closest endemic ancestor, lineage 1.2, remained circulating exclusively in endemic regions in Mexico. It is not clear what roles virus-animal interactions and/or virus-vector interactions play in the ability of specific viral lineages to escape endemic regions in Mexico and successfully cause outbreaks in the U.S., nor the genetic basis for such incursions. Whole-genome sequencing of epidemic VSV 1.1 and endemic VSV 1.2 revealed significant differences in just seven amino acids. Previous studies in swine showed that VSV 1.1 was more virulent than VSV 1.2. Here, we compared the efficiency of these two viral lineages to infect the vector Culicoides sonorensis (Wirth and Jones) and disseminate to salivary glands for subsequent transmission. Our results showed that midges orally infected with the epidemic VSV 1.1 lineage had significantly higher infection dissemination rates compared to those infected with the endemic VSV 1.2 lineage. Thus, in addition to affecting virus-animal interactions, as seen with higher virulence in pigs, small genetic changes may also affect virus-vector interactions, contributing to the ability of specific viral lineages to escape endemic regions via vector-borne transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To establish the relationship between poverty and inequality with crime, in the states of Guerrero, Oaxaca and Chiapas at the municipal level. Methodology: A quantitative methodology was adopted, using data from Coneval, SNSP and INEGI, for which a correlation analysis was performed, first and then a multiple linear regression. Results: It was obtained that there is a relationship at the state level, and municipalities verified it. Total and extreme poverty and crime are inversely related (except for crimes against personal freedom). As extreme poverty decreases and moderate poverty increases, crime decreases. Limitations: The main limitations were the availability of crime data in municipalities of Oaxaca and not controlling the effect of geographic space in the model. Conclusions: It was concluded that the inequality variable is related in all cases to higher crime rates and has a greater capacity to predict crime than poverty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this communication, we report the presence of RNA of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) as a contaminant of different biological products used in Mexico for veterinary vaccine production. For this purpose, six batches of monovalent vaccines, eight cell line batches used for vaccine production, and 10 fetal bovine serum lots (FBS) commercially available in Mexico from different suppliers were tested by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Viral RNA was detected in 62.5% of the samples analyzed. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of the subgenotypes BVDV-1a, 1b, and BVDV-2a in the tested samples. Collectively, these findings indicate that contamination by BVDV RNA occurs in commercial vaccines and reagents used in research and production of biological products. The ramifications of this contamination are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inequality and crime are phenomena that threaten the quality of life of citizens. This study aims to i) analyze the relationship between inequality and the crime rate per 100 inhabitants in Basic Geostatistical Areas of the municipality of Victoria, Mexico; ii) determine the predictive capacity of crime inequality; and iii) identify which crimes are most correlated with inequality. It is assumed that there is a positive relationship between the Gini coefficient and the crime rate. A simple linear regression model was applied. The results indicate a significant correlation (r = 0.510) (P> 0.001), and the explained variance (r ^ 2 = 0.26); Likewise, the model indicates that for each degree that inequality increases, 1,114 crimes per 100 inhabitants increase; and house robbery is the crime that most correlates with inequality, with (r = 0.376). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrus leprosis is a viral disease vectored by the mites Brevipalpus californicus and Brevipalpus yothersi. This work aimed to determine the potential areas for establishment of both mites and viruses in Mexico, based on the geographical distribution of the hosts and the climatic suitability for the vectors. Life tables of both mites were constructed to determine their thermal requirements—base temperature and degree-days required to complete life cycle—and population growth parameters—net reproduction rate, generation time, and intrinsic growth rate. For this, the mites were confined in Citrus aurantium fruits at 20, 22.5, 25 or 30 °C, 60 ± 5% RH and L14:D10 h photoperiod. Maps were generated where the climatic suitability for establishment of the mites and the citrus leprosis viruses was estimated in citrus-producing municipalities. The climatic suitability was determined through historical temperature records to calculate the potential number of generations per year, and ecological niche modeling based on collecting localities and bioclimatic variables using the algorithm Maxent. The base temperature was 9.5 °C for B. californicus and 10.2 °C for B. yothersi; degree-days required to reach adulthood were 372.1 and 331.7 °C, respectively. Potential sites for establishment of B. yothersi are mostly lowlands, whereas for B. californicus they are both lowlands and highlands. Temperature data indicate that B. californicus has fewer sites where it can develop > 16 generations per year than B. yothersi. According to our results, the sites where citrus leprosis is most likely to present high incidence are the sweet orange cultivars bordering the Gulf of Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Dilemas Contemporáneos: Educación, Política y Valores is the property of Dilemas Contemporaneos: Educacion, Politica y Valores 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.)

Within livestock production, enteric diseases play an important role, since they cause severe economic losses due to mortality, growth depression, and reduction in the conversion rate. Coccidiosis caused by Eimeria spp. is a parasitic disease of high morbidity that affects various animal species, including sheep. In sheep, eleven species of Eimeria have been identified mainly through microscopical identification of the oocysts; however, this technique has certain limitations that make it difficult to identify the different Eimeria species. The objective of the present study was to morphologically identify the eleven species of Eimeria that infect sheep in the southeastern region of the State of Mexico, as well as obtain the partial sequence of the ITS-1 rRNA region of each species and analyze it phylogenetically. A total of 412 samples were collected from the 13 municipalities that comprise the region I of the State of Mexico, out of which, 40 had approximately 80% of a single Eimeria species. Among these, the eleven Eimeria species reported in sheep were identified. The phylogenetic analysis showed that the species reported in this study are associated with those reported in rabbits, bovines, and birds. It is suggested that the phylogenetic division of sheep in two clades may be associated with the presence or absence of the residual body. It is proposed that the present methodology can be used effectively for diagnosis and to obtain information about the epidemiology of ovine coccidial infection. The results obtained in this study constitute the first report of the ITS-1 region of the eleven Eimeria species that infect sheep worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The American tree fern Dicksonia sellowiana reaches its northern distribution limit in Mexico. This species grows only in the highly fragmented remnants of the montane cloud forest (MCF). Given the lack of data on ecological aspects of this endangered tree fern species, considered under special protection by Mexican legislation, the objectives of the present research were to investigate the structure of D. sellowiana populations and to characterize its habitats. The study was carried out in seven populations located at different elevations and latitudes in the MCF of the Sierra Madre Oriental in Mexico. In each locality, three sampling plots were established to characterize the habitat and to record density, height, stem diameter, number of leaves, and individual fertility. The resulting values were analyzed with univariate and multivariate statistics. In four of the D. sellowiana populations, individuals of low height predominated; these were classified as dynamic populations. However, the density of individuals by unit area was low compared with some South American populations, probably because of the high degree of fragmentation of the MCF. The variation in population density was mainly explained by the vegetation cover. Environmental factors such as elevation and slope orientation, however, explained better the variation of the basal area of tree fern populations. These results constitute the first reference on the current state of Mexican D. sellowiana populations, which is important for the management and conservation of this endangered species, and for monitoring changes in the environmental conditions of its natural habitat, the MCF of Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cascabela is a Neotropical genus of Apocynaceae with six species: C. balsaensis, C. gaumeri, C. ovata, C. pinifolia, C. thevetia and C. thevetioides. Its taxonomic history has long been a subject of controversy, especially due to its circumscription as a genus closely related to Thevetia. In this work, we revised the taxonomy of Cascabela for Mexico and provide detailed descriptions and illustrations. We also applied species distribution models and geographical information tools to evaluate chorological aspects of the six species occurring in Mexico and provide a conservation category. According to our results, Cascabela has a typical tropical distribution within Mexico, and the Balsas basin was identified as an area of diversity and endemism for the genus. The species C. ovata and C. thevetia have the broadest distribution ranges, and we assigned them the category of least concern. We suggest that the restricted, endemic species C. balsaensis, C. pinifolia and C. thevetioides be considered for protection. The genus was corroborated as an element of deciduous forest, and its cultural importance is highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this study we report for the first time the phylodynamics of the parapoxvirus (PPV) genus in Mexico. Based on the analysis by PCR of 124 epithelial samples collected between 2007 and 2011 from naturally infected goats, sheep and cows in Mexico, we found that different PPV were present in 21 out of the 24 states sampled during this study. Our phylogenetic analysis confirmed the presence of different PPV species in Mexico, and their phylogenetic relationship with other PPV circulating in the US and Canada. Furthermore, we describe the existence of two different ORFV phylogenetic groups that are clearly host associated (sheep or goat). Evidence of directional selection at five specific amino acid residues in the enveloped glycoprotein B2L might help to support this host predilection. Collectively, the results generated in this study highlight the importance of PPV genus in Mexico and open the possibility for future studies describing with more detail the importance of this genus in North America. Highlights • Parapoxvirus virus were detected in 20 of 32 states throughout in Mexico during 2007–2011. • Two ORFV genetic lineages that are specifically host associated. • Parapoxvirus accounted for about 55% of unidentified vesicular disease cases in Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de Sanidad Militar is the property of Direccion General de Sanidad Secretaria de la Defensa Nacional 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.)

Abstract: We analyzed the phylogenetic and time–space relationships (phylodynamics) of 181 isolates of vesicular stomatitis New Jersey virus (VSNJV) causing disease in Mexico and the United States (US) from 2005 through 2012. We detail the emergence of a genetic lineage in southern Mexico causing outbreaks in central Mexico spreading into northern Mexico and eventually into the US. That emerging lineage showed higher nucleotide sequence identity (99.5%) than that observed for multiple lineages circulating concurrently in southern Mexico (96.8%). Additionally, we identified 58 isolates from Mexico that, unlike previous isolates from Mexico, grouped with northern Central America clade II viruses. This study provides the first direct evidence for the emergence and northward migration of a specific VSNJV genetic lineage from endemic areas in Mexico causing VS outbreaks in the US. In addition we document the emergence of a Central American VSNJV genetic lineage moving northward and causing outbreaks in central Mexico. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: México maintains several databases with biotic or abiotic information that enable large scale-studies (for example, at a resolution of 1km2); unfortunately, there is no information at this resolution for soil properties. The goal of this paper was to generate a set of soil variables to address this absence. We evaluated 4400 soil samples taken on Mexican territory. The following nine soil properties were evaluated for each sample: Ca, K, Mg, Na, organic C, organic matter, electrical conductivity, sodium absorption ratio, and pH. With the use of geostatistical methods, a layer was generated for each soil property after six different semivariance models were evaluated. The kriging model (simple, ordinary, or universal) was selected as the best semivariance method with a 10-fold cross-validation approach. Exponential, pentaspherical, and spherical models were selected with ordinary and universal kriging methods to spatially predict the soil properties. Five classes for each soil map were generated. The nine soil properties were classified primarily as slightly low or medium according to their distribution throughout Mexican territory. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Squamous cell carcinoma of the penis is a rare disease in Mexico. In geographical locations where infantile circumcision is not routinely practised and genital hygiene is poor, penile cancer may comprise a high rate of all malignancies. Superficial tumours should be treated with organ-preserving therapy. Partial of total penectomy is recommended for invasive penile carcinoma. Currently, management of the ilioinguinal lymph nodes is controversial. The value of radiation therapy and chemotherapy is still uncertain; these treatments are only palliative therapy modalities. This case-report article focuses on the most important issues that surround the clinical diagnosis and the risk factors of squamous cell carcinoma of the penis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have analyzed Long-Period (LP) seismic events of Volcán de Colima (Mexico) recorded by four three-component broad-band seismometers during January 2006. Frequency-domain analysis shows spectra mainly peaked in the range 0.3-2 Hz and characterized by a monotonic decreasing envelope, as those produced in a cylindrically-symmetric self-oscillating cavity interacting with a confined jet. Independent Component Analysis, a time-series decomposition method, extracts two or three nonlinear oscillation modes depending on the station, with the fundamental one peaked at 0.4-0.5 Hz. These decomposed waves have a well defined spectral content and are self-sustained oscillations with low dimensionality, as shown by dynamic system reconstruction methods. Moreover, they show radial polarization in near field and transverse polarization in far field in North-West South-East direction. Finally, we hypothesize a branched plumbing system with two principal conduits having alignments orthogonal to one another. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intention of this work is to estimate the optimal time span in which water, sewage, and electricity —the basic utilities— are satisfied in all municipalities of Mexico's states to a desirable maximum. The assignment of services is done via linear programming using the municipalities' service indexes and the per capita gross domestic products for 1995, 2000, and 2005. A comparative analysis for fulfillment time is carried out, applying the methodology to the 1996-2000 and 2001-2005 five-year periods, as a reflection of social policies implemented in these periods. Results show important changes in the time spans the states require to satisfy the population's need, attributable to changes in social policies applied to services. Cases such as those for Federal District, State of Mexico, Colima, Oaxaca, and the Yucatan Peninsula are examples to be mentioned. It can be inferred from these data that there is a lack of a national policy which will simultaneously provide the basic services and whose assignment will adhere to an optimal-time criterion to carry it out. Finally, results show how sensitive services are to public management changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined rock-soil-plant relationships of three endemic Cactaceae species [Cephalocereus apicicephalium E.Y. Dawson, C. nizandensis (Bravo & T. MacDoug.) Buxb., and C. totolapensis (Bravo & 1. MacDoug.) Buxb.))from the tropical deciduous forest of the Tehuantepec River basin, Mexico. The goal was to explain the relationships between the species, rock, soil, and calcium oxalate. The x-ray diffraction patterns from the rock and soil analyses showed that the species do not share either a rock or a soil type. Cephalocereus apicicephalium grew exclusively on outcrops oflimestone with quartz on the summit to backslope ofthe hill and C. nizandensis grew in metalimestone outcrops on the summit and shoulder of the hill, while C. totolapensis preferred acid soils from andesite, growing also on siltstones or on mica schisr on the shoulder to toeslope of the hill. Although only insignificant quantities of soluble Ca were found in the soil, weddellite is abundant in the plant tissue. This suggests that the plants take up the Ca they need and that weddellite is a genetically fixed characteristic related to deflection of excess radiation or an herbivore deterrent. Energy dispersive x-ray analysis showed that calcium oxalate crystals contained other elements (Si, Mg, Na, K, Cl, and Fe) and that these impurities modified the crystal shape, as for bipyramids in C. totolapensis. Biominerals did not change the mineral composition of the soil. The three species are distributed as edaphic or rocky islands, giving rise to their allopatric and patchy distribution across the landscape. Finally, the endemicity of the three Cephalocereus species is promoted by the parent material and the particular soil conditions in the area in which each one grows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theory and empirical data suggest the areas of origin of a crop to be the general area of origin of its coevolved weeds. These longer evolved weeds would have an advantage over species with a shorter evolutionary time and migrate more successfully. We seek to identify patterns by comparing two regions with a shared crop, similar physiographic traits, but little direct contact, one of which is the area of origin of the crop. We compared the diversity of the maize weed flora and its edible components between two rural villages each of Oaxaca, Mexico, and Honde Valley, Zimbabwe, using vegetation sampling, interviews and participatory observation. The Mexican Welds had higher species richness and diversity than the Zimbabwean ones. Species richness and densities were higher in the villages that receive more rainfall. Mexican Welds had a mainly native weed flora with almost 80% American species and very few of African origin, whereas Zimbabwe had 32% of American and 50% of African origin. The regions shared seven American species and one of African origin. American/Mesoamerican agrestal weeds appear to be more successful in maize. Subsistence farmers in both study areas consumed about 19 edible weed species of which four were common to all villages. Our results also suggest that the presence of 3-4 species of edible weeds per Weld may be a general pattern in the maize-based systems, and that people not necessarily want or need more, so usefulness—at least as an edible plant—would have a limited influence on migration success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prostate Cancer (PCa) is the second most frequent neoplasia in men worldwide. Previous reports suggest that the prevalence of PCa in Hispanic males is lower than in Africans (including communities with African ancestry) and Caucasians, but higher than in Asians. Despite these antecedents, there are few reports of open population screenings for PCa in Latin American communities. This article describes the results of three consecutive screenings in the urban population of Monterrey, Mexico. Methods: After receiving approval from our University Hospital's Internal Review Board (IRB), the screening was announced by radio, television, and press, and it was addressed to male subjects over 40 years old in general. Subjects who consented to participate were evaluated at the primary care clinics of the University Health Program at UANL, in the Metropolitan area of Monterrey. Blood samples were taken from each subject for prostate specific antigen (PSA) determination; they underwent a digital rectal examination (DRE), and were subsequently interviewed to obtain demographic and urologic data. Based on the PSA (>4.0 ng/ml) and DRE results, subjects were appointed for transrectal biopsy (TRB). Results: A total of 973 subjects were screened. Prostate biopsy was recommended to 125 men based on PSA values and DRE results, but it was performed in only 55 of them. 15 of these biopsied men were diagnosed with PCa, mostly with Gleason scores ≥ 7. Conclusion: Our results reflect a low prevalence of PCa in general, but a high occurrence of high grade lesions (Gleason ≥ 7) among patients that resulted positive for PCa. This observation remarks the importance of the PCa screening programs in our Mexican community and the need for strict follow-up campaigns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Burnout syndrome (BS) is characterized by emotional fatigue, loss of personal identity and loss of personal realization feelings. BS is frequent among professionals that assist people (health care workers) and among those that have interpersonal contact; the occupational characteristics are among BS contributing factors. The objective was to ascertain BS prevalence among nurses affiliated to the San Luis Potosí General Hospital. A cross-sectional survey was carried out with a groups of nurses who gave their informed consent to participate. The Brief Questionnaire of Burnout version standardized for Mexico was used to collect the information. This version explores the following areas: emotional fatigue, loss of personal identity and personal realization. Also, participants answered three questionnaires about their socio-demographic characteristics, occupational satisfaction, family variables and emotional dysfunction. 70 licensed nurses participated. The BS was common among participants. Some variables related to BS were: age older than 30 years, being female, being married, housekeeping work, absenteeism due to illness, serious depression and occupational dissatisfaction. Nurses working at the emergency room and in critical care services had BS more often. The Burnout syndrome has a high prevalence among licensed nurses. Interventions to decrease and to avert BS are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents an analysis of plant species richness and diversity and its association with climatic and soil variables along a 1300-m elevation gradient on the Cerro Tláloc Mountain in the northern Sierra Nevada in Mexico. Two 1000-m2 tree sampling plots were created at each of 21 selected sampling sites, as well as two 250-m2 plots for shrubs and six 9-m2 plots for herbaceous plants. Species richness and diversity were estimated for each plant life form, and beta diversity between sites was estimated along the gradient. The relationship between species richness and diversity and environmental variables was modelled using simple linear correlation and regression trees. Species richness and diversity showed a unimodal pattern with a bias towards high values in the lower half of the elevation gradient under study. This response was consistent for all three life forms. Beta diversity increased steadily along the elevation gradient, being lower between contiguous sites at intermediate elevations and high – the species replacement rate was nearly 100%– between sites at the extremes of the gradient. Few species were adapted to the full spectrum of environmental variation along the elevation gradient studied. The regression tree suggests that differences in species richness are mainly influenced by elevation (temperature and humidity) and soil variables, namely A2 permanent wilting point, organic matter and horizon field capacity and A1 horizon Mg2+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the richness and diversity of bird species in three different areas (pasture, regenerating forest and mature forest) in Semievergreen forest from central Veracruz, Mexico. Out of the 171 bird species observed, 45% are abundant, 35% are scarce, and 35% rare; 112 species are permanent residents and 59 migratory species. In the regenerating forest 126 species were observed, as well as 99 were observed in the pasture area, and 45 in the mature forest. The study showed that 51 species prefer regenerating forest area, 40 prefers the pasture area, and only 4 the mature forest. Statistically significant differences were detected among the abundance of species of the three different areas. The diversity of species was estimated by the Shannon-Wiener index and measured 4.24 in the regenerating forest, 4.16 in the pasture, and 3.44 in mature forest; a Hutcheson t test indicates that no significant differences between the study sites exist among the regenerating forest area and pasture, however, differences exist among mature forest area and regenerating forest area and pasture. The analysis for estimating the species richness indicates that up to 18 other species can be potentially found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selection of individuals in tropical trees, occurs mainly in the seedling phase, which in part explains the low densities of most species. The main objective of this work was to gain an insight into those factors that influence growth and survival of Manilkara zapota seedlings, one of the most abundant species in the lowland forests of Mexico and Central America. Eight 10-m2 rectangular plots (5m×2m) were established, in which all < 35-cm-high M. zapota seedlings were marked, measured and enumerated at bimonthly intervals. In each census seedling height, number of leaves, length of largest leaf, type of damage and seedling death were registered. Seedling survival during 2 yr was high, reaching 82% including newly emerged seedlings. A maximum likelihood regression analysis showed that both number of leaves and length of largest leaf had a direct influence on seedling survival; however, neither type of damage nor seedling density and height had significant effect. Seedling height growth averaged 2.8 cm in the 2 yr of study. The combined effect of high seedling survival, reduced growth, and impact of physical damage mainly due to falling branches and leaves reveals the occurrence of a persistent seedling bank. Such a bank would contribute to recruitment of individuals in the juvenile and eventually in the adult stages. This seedling bank could explain the high density of individuals of M. zapota in the tropical forests of Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laguncularia racemosa wood is commonly used in north-western Mexico and harvested without the knowledge of whether environmental conditions affect wood quality. Laguncularia racemosa anatomy variation was evaluated to identify which cell features, mainly fibre features, are related to an environmental gradient and how this variation affects wood quality. Trees were sampled in six sites along the river where different flooding periods and levels occur. Analyses revealed that in sites with high salinity and flooding levels, there are more abundant vessels and axial parenchyma although the fibres and vessel elements are shorter, suggesting a water stress effect. Correlation analysis confirmed that the higher the percentage of gelatinous fibres, the longer the fibres. This occurred in L. racemosa trees growing in those sites with a high sand particle percentage and a lower flooding level. Anova (analysis of variance) revealed non-significant differences among sites for flexibility, rigidity and Peteri coefficients as well as for Runkel ratio, however the rigidity coefficient is affected by occurrence of gelatinous fibres. L. racemosa wood harvesting should avoid those sites with high flooding level, high sand particle percentage and high salinity that may modify wood quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study that described the morphological and structural changes among and within leaves of Aphananthe monoica, Pleuranthodendron lindenii and Psychotria costivenia in a canopy gradient of a semi-evergreen Neotropical forest from central Veracruz, Mexico and their relationship with some environmental variables. Effect of environmental factors on leaf physiology, anatomy and morphology; Materials and methodology; Discussion on leaf variability of the species.

Desmopsis trunciflora is recorded for the first time from the state of Jalisco, where it grows in the transition between montane cloud forest and tropical subdeciduous forest. A morphological comparison was done with D. mexicana R. E. Fries, the species most related with. A study of the species population structure and the community where it grows showed that out of 56 plots surveyed (0.1 ha each) along an altitudinal gradient ranging from 550 to 1,850 m, the species was present in only 11 at altitudes between 850 and 1,450 m. Desmopsis trunciflora is a typical shade-tolerant species coexisting in the understorey with a reverse J-shaped population structure. Presence of D. trunciflora is positively correlated with the percentage of rock cover and the superficial horizon depth of soil in the area, based on a Canonical Correspondence Analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Annonaceae fruits weevil (Optatus palmaris) causes high losses to the soursop production in Mexico. Damage occurs when larvae and adults feed on the fruits; however, there is limited research about control strategies against this pest. However, pheromones provide a high potential management scheme for this curculio. Thus, this research characterized the behavior and volatile production of O. palmaris in response to their feeding habits. Olfactometry assays established preference by weevils to volatiles produced by feeding males and soursop. The behavior observed suggests the presence of an aggregation pheromone and a kairomone. Subsequently, insect volatiles sampled by solid-phase microextraction and dynamic headspace detected a unique compound on feeding males increased especially when feeding. Feeding-starvation experiments showed an averaged fifteen-fold increase in the concentration of a monoterpenoid on males feeding on soursop, and a decrease of the release of this compound males stop feeding. GC-MS analysis of volatiles identified this compound as α-terpineol. Further olfactometry assays using α-terpineol and soursop, demonstrated that this combination is double attractive to Annonaceae weevils than only soursop volatiles. The results showed a complementation effect between α-terpineol and soursop volatiles. Thus, α-terpineol is the aggregation pheromone of O. palmaris, and its concentration is enhanced by host-plant volatiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were to evaluate the cambial activity and phenology of three species with different life forms (Alchemilla procumbens, Acaena elongata and Ribes ciliatum) along an altitudinal gradient and to establish which environmental variables (light, soil humidity and temperature) had the greatest influence on cambial activity and phenological stages. Over two years, data on phenology, growth and cambium were gathered every four weeks in three to six sites per species in Sierra Nevada, Mexico. The results showed that Ribes is the only species that terminates cambial activity with leaves senescence and is influenced by the minimum soil temperature. The light environment influenced the vegetative stages in Alchemilla (cryptophyte), while in Acaena (hemicryptophyte), the mean soil temperature explained the findings related to leaf area during the dry season and growth along the gradient. In the three species, the reproductive phase dominated for a longer period at higher elevations, especially in Alchemilla. Only Ribes, the phanerophyte, showed a similar cambial activity to other trees and shrubs. Although cambium reactivates during the dry season, no xylogenesis occurs. The three species varied during the time in which vascular cambium was active, and this was dependent on the altitude. Specifically, the variation was more rhythmic in Ribes and switched on and off in Alchemilla. It is likely that, depending on the life form, vascular cambium may be more or less susceptible to one or more climate factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyze the effects on seedling survival of Bursera bipinnata , B. copallifera and B. glabrifolia caused by their association with rocks, nurse plants, and in open areas. We hypothesize that the seedling-rock association is the safest for the establishment of all three seedling species. The objective was to investigate the suitability of the associations for seedling establishment and to compare the mortality risks under the three association conditions. All Bursera seedlings in 30 transects of 30 m2 were counted, recording whether they were located in open areas or associated with rocks or nurse plants, and monthly censored for two years. The proportion of seedlings associated with a rock or nurse plant was higher than those in open areas. Seedling survival curves were different among the three conditions. The survival of seedlings associated with rocks was greater than those established under a nurse plant and or in open areas. Survival time was 58% longer in seedlings associated with rocks than in open areas. The impact of stem diameter was 20 times greater than height. We conclude that rocks are safer and functionally more suitable sites than nurse plants or open areas for recruitment of the three Bursera species. • Rocks are more suitable sites for recruitment of Bursera seedlings than nurse plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composition, richness and distribution of fern and lycophyte species were studied in the three largest and most intact stands of the beech Fagus grandifolia subsp. mexicana in Mexico, located in the Sierra Madre Oriental (SMO) in the state of Hidalgo. During fieldwork, specimens were collected in these stands, and five 60 m 2 sampling plots were also selected in order to estimate the relative importance value (RIV) of the species at each locality. Floristic similarity between localities was calculated based on species absence/presence data, and richness was estimated as a measure of plant biodiversity. In both analyses, data from previous studies in different regions of the SMO were included. In total, 21 families, 49 genera and 82 species of ferns and lycophytes were recorded for the beech forest of the state of Hidalgo; five of those species fall under a risk category according to Mexican legislation. Most species had either terrestrial or epiphytic habit. The species with high RIV differed among localities, except for Lophosoria quadripinnata which was dominant at all three localities. Our results indicate that Mexican Fagus forests have a higher richness of lycophyte and fern species per unit area than any other Fagus -dominated forests in the world. Thus, conservation and management programs should be implemented in the short term, in view of the limited area occupied by these forests and the constantly increasing levels of human-generated disturbance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To analyze the importance of time between the first symptoms and the management of testicular torsion in our institution as well as the seasonal incidence. Patients and methods: The clinical charts of 37 patients diagnosed with testicular torsion in our institution between 2002 and 2006 were reviewed. We evaluated age, amount of time between the first symptom and seeking medical attention, affected testicle, season of the year and the treatment provided. Patients were divided in two groups; Group A, 15 cases who sought medical attention with less than six hours of evolution and Group B (22 patients) those with an evolution longer than six hours. Testicular ultrasound was performed on every patient. Results: The left testicle was affected in 53% of Group A, and in 82% of Group B. The incidence of this pathology in autumn and winter was of 73% for Group A and 77% for Group B. The mean age for Group A was 18 years and 11 years for Group B. Every patient in Group B underwent surgical treatment consisting of orchiectomy and testicular fixation of the contralateral testis. Group A was divided in patients that underwent this same procedure: 6 (40%), and those in which both testicles were fixated: 9 (60%). The mean time between the first symptom and looking for medical attention was of 3.7 hours in group A, and 4.1 hours in group B, the mean time between the first symptom and surgical treatment was 6 hours in Group A and 6.8 hours in Group B. Conclusions: Testicular Torsion is a urological emergency that requires immediate attention. The diagnosis is clinical, surgical treatment should not be delayed. A few minutes could be the difference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the spring of 2009, swine-origin influenza H1N1pdm09 viruses caused the first influenza pandemic of this century. We characterized the influenza viruses that circulated early during the outbreak in Mexico, including one newly sequenced swine H1N1pdm09 virus and three newly sequenced human H1N1pdm09 viruses that circulated in the outbreak of respiratory disease in La Gloria, Veracruz. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the swine isolate (A/swine/Mexico/4/2009) collected in April 2009 is positioned in a branch that is basal to the rest of the H1N1pdm09 clade in two (NP and PA) of the eight single-gene trees. In addition, the concatenated HA–NA and the complete whole-genome trees also showed a basal position for A/swine/Mexico/4/2009. Furthermore, this swine virus was found to share molecular traits with non-H1N1pdm09 H1N1 viral lineages. These results suggest that this isolate could potentially be the first one detected from a sister lineage closely related to the H1N1pdm09 viruses. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This research aimed to determine the relationship between the color of the pigment produced by isolates of F. verticilliodes and virulence in maize seedlings. Symptomatic and asymptomatic corn cobs were collected in Veracruz State, Mexico during the springsummer cycle of 2008. The experiment was analyzed using an experimental design in split plots with a double division, under greenhouse conditions during two crop cycles, fall-winter of 2008 and spring-summer of 2009, in the Postgraduate College Campus Montecillo, Mexico State. The pigmentation of the isolates obtained from symptomatic seeds with mycelium was more intense with a purple color, and the white mycelium isolates showed a more homogeneous color. Isolates from asymptomatic seeds had a tenuous violet coloration, and from white to cream coloration of mycelium. It was observed that isolates from symptomatic and asymptomatic seeds were pathogenic; the purple isolations from symptomatic seeds were more virulent than the white isolate, opposite to what happened with the isolation from asymptomatic seeds, in which the white mycelium was more virulent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]