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Sustainable education is key to advancing environmental awareness and global responsibility. Institutional procedures can provide pressure points and opportunities to help foster the mainstreaming of sustainable development. This study aims to analyze how higher-level educational institutions influence environmental awareness and global responsibility in engineering students by evaluating the perception and knowledge of sustainability issues in three universities with different educational systems. This study considers the results of a questionnaire from a sample of 620 industrial engineering students from a Higher Education Institution in northern Mexico. The application of the instrument was random among students from the fourth to ninth semester. The survey included items on demographic aspects, behavior, knowledge, attitudes, and how the educational institution fosters sustainable practices. Only 16% understand sustainable development in the three axes, and 50% recognize that they play an essential role in promoting a sustainable culture. The results show that students do not clearly understand the scope and environmental benefits of implementing, creatively and assertively, environmental innovation through savings and optimization in the matter, time, and natural resources. The findings offer an opportunity for educational institutions to raise awareness and incorporate new measures and strategies to implement sustainability among their students.

Purpose: The swift expansion of the BW.1 SARS-CoV-2 variant coincided with a rapid increase of COVID-19 cases occurring in Southeast Mexico in October, 2022, which marked the start of Mexico's sixth epidemiological wave. In Yucatan, up to 92% (58 of 73) of weekly sequenced genomes between epidemiological week 42 and 47 were identified as either BW.1 or its descendant, BW.1.1 in the region, during the last trimester of 2022. In the current study, a comprehensive genomic comparison was carried out to characterize the evolutionary history of the BW lineage, identifying its origins and its most important mutations. Methods: An alignment of all the genomes of the BW lineage and its parental BA.5.6.2 variant was carried out to identify their mutations. A phylogenetic and ancestral sequence reconstruction analysis with geographical inference, as well as a longitudinal analysis of point mutations, were performed to trace back their origin and contrast them with key RBD mutations in variant BQ.1, one of the fastest-growing lineages to date. Results: Our ancestral reconstruction analysis portrayed Mexico as the most probable origin of the BW.1 and BW.1.1 variants. Two synonymous substitutions, T7666C and C14599T, support their Mexican origin, whereas other two mutations are specific to BW.1: S:N460K and ORF1a:V627I. Two additional substitutions and a deletion are found in its descending subvariant, BW.1.1. Mutations found in the receptor binding domain, S:K444T, S:L452R, S:N460K, and S:F486V in BW.1 have been reported to be relevant for immune escape and are also key mutations in the BQ.1 lineage. Conclusions: BW.1 appears to have arisen in the Yucatan Peninsula in Southeast Mexico sometime around July 2022 during the fifth COVID-19 wave. Its rapid growth may be in part explained by the relevant escape mutations also found in BQ.1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Despite global efforts to assess the early response and persistence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in patients infected with or recovered from COVID-19, our understanding of the factors affecting its dynamics remains limited. This work aimed to evaluate the early and convalescent immunity of outpatients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and to determine the factors that affect the dynamics and persistence of the IgM and IgG antibody response. Seropositivity of volunteers from Mexico City and the State of Mexico, Mexico, was evaluated by ELISA using the recombinant receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein for 90 days, at different time points (1, 15, 45, 60, and 90 days) after molecular diagnosis (RT-qPCR). Gender, age range, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, and clinical spectrum of disease were analyzed to determine associations with the dynamics of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. On 90 days post-infection, individuals with moderate and asymptomatic disease presented the lowest levels of IgM, while for IgG, at the same time, the highest levels occurred with mild and moderate disease. The IgM and IgG levels were related to the clinical spectrum of disease, BMI, and the presence/absence of comorbidities through regression trees. The results suggest that the dynamics of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG antibodies in outpatients could be influenced by the clinical spectrum of the disease. In addition, the persistence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 could be related to the clinical spectrum of the disease, BMI, and the presence/absence of comorbidities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a metagenomic sequencing approach, we described and compared the diversity and dynamics of the oropharyngeal and fecal eukaryotic virome of nine asymptomatic children in a semi-rural community setting located in the State of Morelos, Mexico. Ninety oropharyngeal swabs and 97 fecal samples were collected starting 2 weeks after birth and monthly thereafter until 12 months of age. In both niches, more than 95% of the total sequence reads were represented by viruses that replicate either in humans or in plants. Regarding human viruses, three families were most abundant and frequent in the oropharynx: Herpesviridae, Picornaviridae, and Reoviridae; in fecal samples, four virus families predominated: Caliciviridae, Picornaviridae, Reoviridae, and Anelloviridae. Both niches showed a high abundance of plant viruses of the family Virgaviridae. Differences in the frequency and abundance of sequence reads and diversity of virus species were observed in both niches and throughout the year of study, with some viruses already present in the first months of life. Our results suggest that the children's virome is dynamic and likely shaped by the environment, feeding, and age. Moreover, composition analysis suggests that the virome composition is mostly individual. Whether this constant exposition to different viruses has a long-term impact on children's health or development remains to be studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The Omicron subvariant BA.1 of SARS-CoV-2 was first detected in November 2021 and quickly spread worldwide, displacing the Delta variant. In this work, a characterization of the spread of this variant in Mexico is presented. Methods: The time to fixation of BA.1, the diversity of Delta sublineages, the population density, and the level of virus circulation during the inter-wave interval were determined to analyze differences in BA.1 spread. Results: BA.1 began spreading during the first week of December 2021 and became dominant in the next three weeks, causing the fourth COVID-19 epidemiological surge in Mexico. Unlike previous variants, BA.1 did not exhibit a geographically distinct circulation pattern. However, a regional difference in the speed of the replacement of the Delta variant was observed. Conclusions: Viral diversity and the relative abundance of the virus in a particular area around the time of the introduction of a new lineage seem to have influenced the spread dynamics, in addition to population density. Nonetheless, if there is a significant difference in the fitness of the variants, or if the time allowed for the competition is sufficiently long, it seems the fitter virus will eventually become dominant, as observed in the eventual dominance of the BA.1.x variant in Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern public education was born as part of the construction of the nation-state. In Mexico, it has been a multifaceted issue and acquires fundamental political relevance. So far in the current administration, a series of changes have been proposed to achieve educational transformation. A document that condenses a set of ideas that seek to underpin the so-called New Mexican School has been communicated to public opinion. This repertoire of ideas seems to derive from controversial conceptions in pedagogical, didactic and, above all, philosophical matters. An approach to these bases reveals their scope and limits. To unravel the background is to find a whole universe corresponding to the era of postmodernity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we analyzed the sequences of SARS-CoV-2 isolates of the Delta variant in Mexico, which has completely replaced other previously circulating variants in the country due to its transmission advantage. Among all the Delta sublineages that were detected, 81.5 % were classified as AY.20, AY.26, and AY.100. According to publicly available data, these only reached a world prevalence of less than 1%, suggesting a possible Mexican origin. The signature mutations of these sublineages are described herein, and phylogenetic analyses and haplotype networks are used to track their spread across the country. Other frequently detected sublineages include AY.3, AY.62, AY.103, and AY.113. Over time, the main sublineages showed different geographical distributions, with AY.20 predominant in Central Mexico, AY.26 in the North, and AY.100 in the Northwest and South/Southeast. This work describes the circulation, from May to November 2021, of the primary sublineages of the Delta variant associated with the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico and highlights the importance of SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance for the timely identification of emerging variants that may impact public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SARS-CoV-2 variants emerged in late 2020, and at least three variants of concern (B.1.1.7, B.1.351, and P1) have been reported by WHO. These variants have several substitutions in the spike protein that affect receptor binding; they exhibit increased transmissibility and may be associated with reduced vaccine effectiveness. In the present work, we report the identification of a potential variant of interest, harboring the mutations T478K, P681H, and T732A in the spike protein, within the newly named lineage B.1.1.519, that rapidly outcompeted the preexisting variants in Mexico and has been the dominant virus in the country during the first trimester of 2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Monoclonal antibody mAb B7, specifically recognized Cl13 toxin from Centruroides limpidus venom. • mAb B7 was used to obtain its respective single chain antibody fragment (scFv B7). • Affinity maturation of scFv B7 was achieved by means of 3 cycles of directed evolution and phage display. • The whole venom of Centruroides limpidus was neutralized by scFvs 11F and 10FG2. Phage display and directed evolution have made it possible to generate recombinant antibodies in the format of single chain variable fragments (scFvs) capable of neutralizing different toxins and venoms of Mexican scorpions. Despite having managed to neutralize a significant number of venoms, some others have not yet been completely neutralized, due to the diversity of the toxic components present in them. An example is the venom of the scorpion Centruroides limpidus , which contains three toxins of medical importance, called Cll1, Cll2 and Cl13. The first two are neutralized by scFv 10FG2, while Cl13, due to its sequence divergence, was not even recognized. For this reason, the aim of the present work was the generation of a new scFv capable of neutralizing Cl13 toxin and thereby helping to neutralize the whole venom of this scorpion. By hybridoma technology, a monoclonal antibody (mAb B7) was generated, which was able to recognize and partially neutralize Cl13 toxin. From mAb B7, its scFv format was obtained, named scFv B7 and subjected to three cycles of directed evolution. At the end of these processes, scFv 11F which neutralized Cl13 toxin was obtained. This scFv, administered in conjunction with scFv 10FG2, allowed to fully neutralize the whole venom of Centruroides limpidus scorpion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we determined the diversity and dynamics of the gut virome of infants during the first year of life. Fecal samples were collected monthly, from birth to one year of age, from three healthy children living in a semi-rural village in Mexico. Most of the viral reads were classified into six families of bacteriophages including five dsDNA virus families of the order Caudovirales, with Siphoviridae and Podoviridae being the most abundant. Eukaryotic viruses were detected as early as two weeks after birth and remained present all along the first year of life. Thirty-four different eukaryotic virus families were found, where eight of these families accounted for 98% of all eukaryotic viral reads: Anelloviridae, Astroviridae, Caliciviridae, Genomoviridae, Parvoviridae, Picornaviridae, Reoviridae and the plant-infecting viruses of the Virgaviridae family. Some viruses in these families are known human pathogens, and it is surprising that they were found during the first year of life in infants without gastrointestinal symptoms. The eukaryotic virus species richness found in this work was higher than that observed in previous studies; on average between 7 and 24 virus species were identified per sample. The richness and abundance of the eukaryotic virome significantly increased during the second semester of life, probably because of an increased environmental exposure of infants with age. Our findings suggest an early and permanent contact of infants with a diverse array of bacteriophages and eukaryotic viruses, whose composition changes over time. The bacteriophages and eukaryotic viruses found in these children could represent a metastable virome, whose potential influence on the development of the infant's immune system or on the health of the infants later in life, remains to be investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peat is a moss commonly used as a substrate in the propagation of seedlings, but its extraction generates negative effects on the environment. To replace or reduce their use, organic amendments can be applied as substrate components, but must comply with quality parameters established in official standards. The objective was to characterize physically, chemically, biologically and microbiologically two commercial organic fertilizers (Solep, Fernatol), two manures (cattle, sheep) and Peat moss for use as substrate components in seedling production. At Campus Puebla in Colegio de Postgraduados, México, in samples of each material, it was measured in triplicate: bulk density, percentage of pores, particle size, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), carbon (C), organic matter (OM), nitrogen (N), C/N ratio, content of extractable and assimilable nutrients and heavy metals; also, a microbiological analysis was performed as a safety parameter and the phytotoxicity of extracts at 20% was estimated by germination bioassay with radish seeds (Raphanus sativus L) as an indicator species of the presence of phytotoxic substances. Analysis of variance, Tukey mean comparison test (P=0.05) was performed and the results were compared with established national and international substrate standards. Solep fertilizer and cattle manure presented adequate values of pH, EC, OM, C/N, assimilable sodium, heavy metals and absence of E. coli and Salmonella, therefore these amendments can be considered appropriate for use as substrate components in the seedling production, but according to the phytotoxicity bioassays, the fertilizers or manure characterized should not be applied in proportions greater than 20% as a substrate component. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and objectives: Cases of viral hepatitis reported in Mexico are typically identified as hepatitis A, B and C. However, unspecified cases are reported annually. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emergent agent that causes a self-limiting infection that can evolve to chronic in immunosuppressed individuals. In Mexico, HEV genotype 2 is considered endemic, though it's the prevalence is not well known. Therefore, the present study was designed to determine the prevalence of HEV among patients at the "Hospital Infantil de Mexico Federico Gomez". Materials and methods: The study included 99 patients, anti-HEV antibody (IgG and IgM) were detected by indirect ELISA and viral genome was identified using RT-PCR technique. Two PCR products of positive cases were sequenced. Results: ELISA results were positive in 3% and 6%, for IgG and IgM respectively, 54.5% prevalence was found by PCR. Low lymphocyte count (p < 0.05) and malnutrition (p < 0.005) were significant factors for high PCR prevalence and could increase the possibility of infection. Two samples were sequenced and confirmed the presence of HEV genotype 3. Conclusions: This report reveals the incidence of HEV in pediatric patients in Mexico. Moreover, the identification of HEV genotype 3 in human samples suggests a potential zoonotic risk that requires further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Latin American Giant Observatory (LAGO) consists of a network of water Cherenkov detectors (WCDs) installed in the Latin American region at various latitudes, from Sierra Negra in Mexico, 18 ° 5 9 ′ N 97 ° 1 8 ′ W to the Antarctic Peninsula, 64 ° 1 4 ′ S 56 ° 3 8 ′ W and altitudes from Lima, Peru at 20 m a.s.l. to Chacaltaya, Bolivia at 5500 m a.s.l. The detectors of the network are built from commercial water tanks, so they have several geometries (cylindrical in general) and different water purification methods. All these features generate different profiles in the response to air shower particles measured by our detectors and produce pulse-shaped electronic signals. Common sources of noise in a WCD come from light leakage, electronic noise, and noise associated with the operation of photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) such as thermionic emission and after-pulses; they all could produce detectable pulses recorded by the LAGO data acquisition (DAQ) system. In LAGO WCDs, these noise signals are expected to present a short pulse width (of a few nanoseconds), while secondary radiation typically produces pulses of several tens of nanoseconds. We used data from the LAGO DAQ system, which digitises pulses at 40 MHz sampling rate on windows of 300 ns (12 temporal bins) and with a 10-bit resolution. The LAGO DAQ configuration uses a single threshold-based trigger in the third temporal bin. We proposed a secondary trigger threshold at the fourth bin to improve the noise rejection. In this work, we show how the optimal values for these triggers are now obtained from the measurement of the muon lifetime within the water volume and the resulting Michel spectrum. Our results were also simulated using the LAGO ARTI simulation framework to estimate the expected flux of secondary particles at the detector site; and the Meiga framework, a Geant4-based simulator used to estimate the WCDs response to the atmospheric radiation flux. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the lower parts of the Sierra Nevada, Puebla, Mexico, small farmers grow one of the most traditional chilis in Mexican cuisine, poblano chili. The variability in agricultural practices and the characteristics of the soil lead to various microenvironments of production, causing a variation in the populations of beneficial microorganisms. The objective of the present investigation was to quantify the microbial populations [total fungi (HT), total bacteria (BT), phosphate solubilizing bacteria (BSP), nitrogen-fixing bacteria (BFN), auxin-producing bacteria (BPA) and mycorrhizal fungi arbuscular (HMA)] and fruit production in plantations of poblano chili grown in the open field. By means of serial dilutions and seeding in specific media, HT, BT, BSP, BFN and BPA were quantified. The colonization by HMA was determined by the method of thinning and staining with trypan blue. The highest populations of BT and BPA were found in site seven (Huejotzingo), soil with high phosphorus content (428.8 mg kg-1 ), HT, BSP and BFN were better in site one (San Matias Tlalancaleca), this site did not present the best soil characteristics, but higher altitude, which correlated positively with these microorganisms. Mycorrhizal colonization was better at site nine (Huejotzingo), in a soil with low phosphorus content (44.3 mg kg-1 ) and moderately alkaline pH (7.6). The yield of fruits was higher in site 8 (Huejotzingo), which presented higher content of organic matter (1.48%) and total nitrogen (0.07%) in soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From an ethno-gerontological perspective, new models are needed to fulfill the health needs of the indigenous older adult population in Mexico. In this paper we developed a comprehensive healthcare model, interculturally appropriate, designed to meet the needs of Mexican indigenous older adults. The model was constructed using a qualitative design with semi-structured interviews of older adults, health providers, and available health resources in three Mexican indigenous regions. An ethnographical review was carried out to contextually characterize these communities. At the same time, a comprehensive bibliographic revision was made to identify socio-demographic markers. Results pointed out that Mexican indigenous older adults are not covered by any type of social health insurance program. Their health problems tend in large part to be chronic in nature due to the lack of early diagnosis and treatment. There is a need for trained human resources in the field of gerontology encompassing the sociocultural context of the indigenous groups. The geographical location of these communities limits the permanent presence of healthcare givers and thus limits access to continuous care. Traditional healthcare givers, able to speak the native language, are a great asset allowing the invaluable possibility of direct verbal communication. Based upon the data gathered from indigenous older adults and service providers, in tandem with evidence from the literature, we identified key elements for successful intervention and designed an intervention model. We concluded that indigenous older adults are a more vulnerable group, given that aside from being elderly in a country where the health needs of these populations exceed the capacity of existing healthcare services, their ethnicity serves as an added barrier preventing their access to the limited available healthcare resources. To achieve uniformity in providing health care, today's health systems need to address intercultural and participative aspects of healthcare models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemodialysis, the most common treatment for chronic kidney disease, generates a series of impacts on the environment, particularly on water and greenhouse gas emissions. The effects on the environment from hemodialysis treatment in Mexico have not been quantified. In the world, the studies carried out to date measure the environmental impacts based on CO 2 eq, so they do not reveal other types of effects generated by this type of treatment. The objective of this study is to estimate the environmental impact of hemodialysis in 17 impact categories using life cycle assessment (LCA). The phases of this study were carried out following the guidelines of ISO 14040–14044, considering as a functional unit the replacement of renal function, artificially employing a hemodialysis machine in a patient for one year. The unitary processes of the system with the highest environmental loads were the patients and staff transportation and hemodialysis. The contribution analysis yielded 17 significant variables greater than 5% of the impact. The carbon footprint of artificial kidney care, by stage of the life cycle, is distributed as follows: transport (36%), kidney service (36%), and end of life (28%). The LCA approach allowed the inclusion of other environmental effects of health services to understand the impacts better. Renal assistance was also shown to represent a considerable environmental impact on water scarcity and contamination beyond global warming. • This study reports environmental impacts generated by artificial kidney support using an LCA approach. • ReCiPe Midpoints and Endpoints are used to estimate environmental impacts. • "Patient and staff transportation" was the unitary process in artificial kidney support with the highest environmental loads. • The effect on water consumption is reduced by 67% by water returned to the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Factors associated with violence and the abuse of older adults are understudied and its prevalence in Mexico has not been reported. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence and factors associated with violence and abuse of older adults in Mexico. Methods: We used Mexico’s 2012 National Health and Nutrition Survey, which included a sample of 8,894 individuals who are 60 years or older and who self-reported a negative health event related to robbery, aggression or violence in the previous 12 months. We used chi-squared test and Fisher's exact test to analyze the variables related to violence. Adjusted estimates were completed with multiple logistic regression models for complex surveys. Results: The prevalence of violence was 1.7 % for both men and women. In 95 % of the cases, the aggression was from an unknown party. Verbal aggressions were the most prevalent (60 %). Among men, physical aggression was more common. Violence frequently occurred in the home (37.6 %); however, men were primarily assaulted in public places (42.4 %), in comparison to women (30.7 %). There were also differences in the risk factors for violence. Among men, risk was associated with younger age (60-64 years), higher education (secondary school or above) and higher socioeconomic status. Among women, risk was associated with depression, not being the head of the family, and region of the country. Conclusions: Violence against older adults presents differently for men and women, which means it is necessary to increase knowledge about the dynamics of the social determinants of violence, particularly in regards to the role of education among men. The relatively low prevalence found in this study may reflect the difficulty and fear of discussing the topic of violence. This may occur because of cultural factors, as well as by the perception of helplessness perpetuated by the scarce access to social programs that ensure protection and problem solving with regards to the complex social determinants of individual and family violence that this population group endures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to determine relationships between socioeconomic status and organ damage in Mexican systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Demographic and clinical variables were assessed. Socioeconomic status was evaluated using the Graffar method and monthly household income. Lupus activity and organ damage were measured using the SLE disease activity scale, validated for the Mexican population (Mex-SLEDAI), and the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology (SLICC/ACR) scale. The 143 Mexican female SLE patients included (mean age 40.1 ± 8.9 years, mean disease duration 8.9 ± 6.3 years) had a mean monthly household income of $ 407.2 ± 326.5. According to the Graffar index, 18.9%, 52.5%, and 28.7% had high/medium-high, medium, and medium-low/low socioeconomic status, respectively. Organ damage was observed in 61 patients (42.7%). Patients with organ damage had lower monthly household incomes ($241.4 ± 152.4 vs. $354.8 ± 288.3) and were more frequently unemployed (57.3% vs. 35.3%; p = 0.01) than those without. Low monthly income was not associated with lupus activity or self-reported health status. In the adjusted multivariate analysis, low monthly income ( < $300) was associated with organ damage. In conclusion, low income may be associated with organ damage in Mexican SLE patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Most of the studies characterizing the incidence of rhinovirus (RV) have been carried out in hospitalized children and in developed countries. In those studies, RV-C has been associated with more severe respiratory tract infections than RV species A and B. In this study we determined the frequency and diversity of RV strains associated with upper and lower respiratory tract infections (URTI, LRTI) in Mexico, and describe the clinical characteristics of the illness associated with different RV species. Methods: A prospective surveillance of 526 and 250 children with URTI and LRTI was carried out. Respiratory samples were analyzed by RT-PCR for viruses. The 5' untranslated region of the RV genome was amplified and sequenced. Results: In the case of URTI, 17.5% were positive for RV, while this virus was found in 24.8% of LRTI. The RV species was determined in 73 children with URTI: 61.6% were RV-A, 37% RV-C and, 1.4% RV-B; and in 43 children with LRTI: 51.2% were RV-A, 41.8% RV-C, and 7% RV-B. No significant differences in clinical characteristics were found in patients with RV-A or RV-C infections. A high genetic diversity of RV strains was found in both URTI and LRTI. Conclusions: Both RV-A and RV-C species were frequently found in hospitalized as well as in outpatient children. This study underlines the high prevalence and genetic diversity of RV strains in Mexico and the potential severity of disease associated with RV-A and RV-C infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electricity is a vital component in the development of societies and industrial progress. The growing demand and environmental degradation from current sources forces us to search for alternative methods of generating it. The use of biogas generated in landfills enables the recovery of the remaining energy in waste and reduces the environmental problems caused by burning coal, oil, and natural gas. Certainty in the generation projections is required for an energy source to be considered useful. The usefulness of biogas power generation depends on accurately estimating the amount of possible biogas generation. Considering this uncertainty, the objectives of this research were to (a) determine the methane generation rate (k) and methane generation potential (L0), and (b) estimate the biogas generation in the final disposal sites (FDS) of two urban communities and two rural communities in Baja California, Mexico. To determine the constants used in biogas models, the following experiments were performed: (a) waste characterisation studies, (b) observations of the characteristics and performance of the FDS, (c) interviews with the managers of the FDS, and (d) IPCC model parameters. Predictions of biogas utility were made using the modified constants in the Mexico LFG Model Version 2.0 proposed by SCS Engineers. The results show that k averaged 0.0429 yr-1 and L0 was 68.69 m³/ton. In the period of 2013-2030, there will be a power generation potential of 760492.8 MW/h (USD $142.21 million). The potential reduction in CO2e emissions would be approximately 5.2 MtCO2e during the same period (USD $57.16 million). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high per capita generation of solid waste and the environmental problems in major rural communities of Ensenada, Baja California, have prompted authorities to seek alternatives for waste treatment. In the absence of a selection methodology, three technologies of waste treatment with energy recovery (an anaerobic digester, a downdraft gasifier, and a plasma gasifier) were evaluated, taking the broader social, political, economic, and environmental issues into considerations. Using the scientific literature as a baseline, interviews with experts, decision makers and the community, and waste stream studies were used to construct a hierarchy that was evaluated by the analytic hierarchy process. In terms of the criteria, judgments, and assumptions made in the model, the anaerobic digester was found to have the highest rating and should consequently be selected as the waste treatment technology for this area. The study results showed low sensitivity, so alternative scenarios were not considered. The methodology developed in this study may be useful for other governments who wish to assess technologies to select waste treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Indigenous women in Mexico represent a vulnerable population in which three kinds of discrimination converge (ethnicity, gender and class), having direct repercussions on health status. The discrimination and inequity in health care settings brought this population to the fore as a priority group for institutional action. The objective of this study was to evaluate the processes and performance of the "Casa de la Mujer Indígena", a community based project for culturally and linguistically appropriate service delivery for indigenous women. The evaluation summarizes perspectives from diverse stakeholders involved in the implementation of the model, including users, local authorities, and institutional representatives. Methods: The study covered five Casas implementation sites located in four Mexican states. A qualitative process evaluation focused on systematically analyzing the Casas project processes and performance was conducted using archival information and semi-structured interviews. Sixty-two interviews were conducted, and grounded theory approach was applied for data analysis. Results: Few similarities were observed between the proposed model of service delivery and its implementation in diverse locations, signaling discordant operating processes. Evidence gathered from Casas personnel highlighted their ability to detect obstetric emergencies and domestic violence cases, as well as contribute to the empowerment of women in the indigenous communities served by the project. These themes directly translated to increases in the reporting of abuse and referrals for obstetric emergencies. Conclusions: The model's cultural and linguistic competency, and contributions to increased referrals for obstetric emergencies and abuse are notable successes. The flexibility and community-based nature of the model has allowed it to be adapted to the particularities of diverse indigenous contexts. Local, culturally appropriate implementation has been facilitated by the fact that the Casas have been implemented with local leadership and local women have taken ownership. Users express overall satisfaction with service delivery, while providing constructive feedback for the improvement of existing Casas, as well as more cost-effective implementation of the model in new sites. Integration of user's input obtained from this process evaluation into future planning will undoubtedly increase buy-in. The Casas model is pertinent and viable to other contexts where indigenous women experience disparities in care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The High Altitude Water Cherenkov (HAWC) experiment is a high energy gamma ray observatory which is currently under construction in the Sierra Negra, Mexico, at an altitude of 4100m. It will detect gamma-ray induced atmospheric particle showers on the ground. The water Cherenkov particle detection technique allows for full day observations of a large fraction of the sky. HAWC is the successor of Milagro. Because of the higher altitude, size and improved detector design, the sensitivity of HAWC will be ≈15× higher than the sensitivity of Milagro. Besides a triggered data acquisition system (DAQ) searching for individual air shower events, a scaler DAQ counting all signals in the HAWC photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) above a fixed threshold is available. The large sky coverage of about 1.5sr and high duty cycle of HAWC increases its detection potential for transient sources like gamma ray bursts (GRBs). The sensitive energy range of the scaler DAQ overlaps at low energies with the energy range of the Large Area Telescope (LAT) aboard the Fermi satellite. We demonstrate that GRBs with a high energy spectral component (E γ ≳30GeV) seen by the LAT are also visible for the HAWC scaler DAQ. The properties of the GRB spectra at high energies provide information about e ±-pair attenuation inside of GRB jets, extra-galactic background light (EBL) absorption and the maximum energy to which particles can be accelerated in GRBs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background. In regard to conditions of the oral cavity in children, malocclusions occur with a prevalence of 60%, whereas the most common speech disorder among school-age children are the changes in pronunciation known as dyslalias, with a prevalence of 70%. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of malocclusions and speech disorders in a 4- to 6-year-old preschool population in eastern Mexico City. Methods. We performed an observational, prospective, cross-sectional and descriptive study. Clinical assessment of malocclusion was performed at the base of the terminal planes and the diagnosis of speech disorders was made using the test of Melgar, considering the categories with and without speech disorders. Results. Data were processed using SPSS v.11 and descriptive statistics were obtained from the study variables. The results allowed the observation that the revised total number of preschool-age children, 61% (n = 48) presented malocclusions, whereas speech disorders occurred in 42% (n = 39). In our study, however, no association was demonstrated between malocclusions and speech disorders. Both conditions were present and 40% (n = 19) of preschool-age children showed the presence of malocclusions and speech disorders; 42% (n = 13) had no malocclusions but demonstrated speech disorders. Conclusions. The prevalence of malocclusion and speech disorders in preschool-age children in this community is considered as a health problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Information on geographic distribution, habitat, measurements, and reproductive condition of nine species of bats from Guerrero, Mexico, is provided. Four species are the second records for the State (Choeroniscus godmani, Myotis auriculus apache, Myotis thysanodes aztecus and Nyctinomops femorosaccus), three are the third record (Musonycteris harrisoni, Chiroderma salvini scopaeum and Enchisthenes hartii), and two are the fourth record (Hylonycteris underwoodi minor and Myotis californicus mexicanus). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A model was developed to assess the lifetime costs and outcomes associated with haemophilia in Mexico. A retrospective chart review of 182 type A haemophiliacs was conducted for patients aged 0–34 years receiving one of three treatments: (i) cryoprecipitate at clinic; (ii) concentrate at home; or (iii) concentrate at clinic. Patients treated at home experienced 30% less joint damage, used 13–54% less factor VIII, had four times fewer clinic visits, and utilized half as many hospital days than those treated at a clinic. For cryoprecipitate at clinic patients, the annual incidence rates of HCV and HIV were calculated to be 3.6% and 1.4% respectively. The life expectancy for patients receiving cryoprecipitate and those receiving concentrate was estimated to be 49 years and 69 years respectively, with 58% of cryoprecipitate patients predicted to die of AIDS before age 69. Across the lifespan, the average annual cost of care was US$11 677 (MN$110 464) for cryoprecipitate at clinic patients, US$10 104 (M$95 580) for concentrate at home patients and US$18 819 (MN$178 027) for concentrate at clinic patients. Using a 5% discount rate, the incremental lifetime cost per year of life added for treatment with concentrate at home compared with cryoprecipitate at a clinic was US$738 (MN$6981). Rank order stability analysis demonstrated that the model was most sensitive to the cost of fVIII. These results indicate that treatment with concentrate at home compared with cryoprecipitate at a clinic substantially improves clinical outcomes at reduced annual cost levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) belong to the most common pathologies in Mexico and are mainly caused by Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). UPEC possesses a wide diversity of virulence factors that allow it to carry out its pathogenesis mechanism in the urinary tract (UT). The development of morphotypes in UT represents an important feature of UPEC because it is associated with complications in diagnosis of UTI. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of bacterial morphotypes, virulence genes, virulence phenotypes, antibiotic resistant, and phylogenetic groups in clinical isolates of UPEC obtained from women in Sonora, Mexico. Forty UPEC isolates were obtained, and urine morphotypes were observed in 65% of the urine samples from where E. coli was isolated. Phylogenetic group B2 was the most prevalent. The most frequent virulence genes were fimH (100%), fliCD (90%), and sfaD/focC (72%). Biofilm formation (100%) and motility (98%) were the most prevalent phenotypes. Clinical isolates showed high resistance to aminoglycosides and β-lactams antibiotics. These data suggest that the search for morphotypes in urine sediment must be incorporated in the urinalysis procedure and also that clinical isolates of UPEC in this study can cause upper, lower, and recurrent UTI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacteria play an important role in ecological processes in oil contaminated marine sediments. In this work, bacterial diversity studies with surface sediment samples from the NW Gulf of Mexico were performed, two from continental shelf and two from upper slope. The bacterial communities seem significantly influenced by depth, distance from the shoreline, temperature, dissolved oxygen and aluminum. The most abundant Phylum was Proteobacteria , Class Gammaproteobacteria. However, Class Deltaproteobacteria , Order Desulfuromonadales predominated in continental shelf and Order Alteromonadales (Gammaproteobacteria) prevailed in the upper slope sediments. Many potential hydrocarbon degrading bacterial genera were identified, 71 of the assigned genera were associated to hydrocarbon degradation processes. The genera Desulfobulbus and Haliea were confined to continental inner-shelf, while Shewanella and Fusibacter were mostly detected in deeper sediments. The occurrence and abundance of putative hydrocarbon degrading bacteria in this area, could be indicative of an impacted zone caused by the presence hydrocarbons in the environment. Image 1 • In this study, we describe the bacterial diversity present in surface sediments from the North West region of the Gulf of Mexico, a poorly studied zone. • The bacterial communities seem significantly influenced by depth, distance from the shoreline, temperature and dissolved oxygen. • The occurrence and abundance of putative hydrocarbon degrading bacteria in this area, could be indicative of an impacted zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dengue virus is the most prevalent arbovirus in Mexico, and although the diversity of this virus has been studied, the vast majority of sequences have been derived from viruses isolated from the human host. In this work, we aimed to sequence and to analyze DENVs derived from wild mosquitoes captured in Acapulco Guerrero, Mexico. We succeeded in determining three full genome sequences of such viruses and were able to compare them with other reported sequences from human and mosquito-derived DENVs. We found 15 nonsynonymous and 88 synonymous substitutions that were present more frequently in mosquito viruses than what would be expected by chance, although the limited number of genomes reported so far puts a constraint on the conclusions that can be derived from these analyses. Also, given the high depth of coverage attained in one of the genomes a variant analysis was carried out, finding 68 polymorphic sites in this genome. Interestingly, six of them corresponded to SNV that were detected as potentially differential between mosquitoes and humans, indicating that a that at least some positions may be maintained as polymorphic, which may facilitate host transmission. • Using NGS, we obtained three full genome sequences of DENV2 from mosquitoes captured in Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico. • DENV mosquito-derived sequences are interspersed with human-derived ones, indicating continuous human-mosquito transmission. • In a mosquito-derived sequence 6 positions fixated in other sequences depending on their host of origin remain polymorphic • The maintenance of polymorphic states may allow vector-host transmission of this virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowing the amount and type of Domestic Solid Waste (DSW) that is deposited in the landfill gives us the possibility to consider options in how to make sustainable use of it. Waste from any location, if properly handled, can be turned into the raw material for other processes. The aim of this study was to quantify the components of the DSW likely to be recycled, deposited in the landfill in the city of Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, so that they could be valued on the market as recyclables. The average weekly market could be 643.67 tons of food waste for composting, 389.45 tons of paper and cardboard, 217.55 tons of plastic, 78.81 tons of glass, 32.20 tons of metal and 8.11 tons of aluminum. This should result in a total of approximately MXP $ 911,224.18 (USD $ 71693.48) for the marketing of major recyclables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An approximate method based on an analogous Fick’s law mass transport model was derived to predict the concentration profiles of suspended particles in a primary sedimentation tank for wastewater treatment as a function of time and column height. A pilot sedimentation column was constructed to test wastewater sedimentation and obtain the necessary data for the proposed model. The examined variables included the total suspended solids concentration, the sedimentation height, and the time elapsed. Computer code was developed to estimate the dispersion coefficient present in the sedimentation model from experimental data via least-squares regression, resulting in a relative error of 3.705%. The proposed model was validated by good agreement with reported data in the literature. The basic dimensions for designing a primary sedimentation tank were obtained based on the experimental data from wastewater samples obtained by a wastewater collector located in the industrial zone of Celaya City, México. This methodology can be successfully applied for designing primary sedimentation tanks for wastewater treatment facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the prevalence of genital Mycoplasma spp. among women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to identify factors associated with such infection.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with SLE and healthy women who attended a hospital in Puebla, Mexico, between July 29, 2014, and January 4, 2015. All participants were aged 18 years or older and sexually active. A structured interview assessed sociodemographic, obstetric, gynecologic, and clinical characteristics. Disease activity was evaluated using the Mexican SLE Disease Activity Index. Polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the presence of Mycoplasma spp. in genital samples.Results: Ureaplasma urealyticum was the only genital mycoplasma detected; it was present in 32 (24.6%) of 130 patients with SLE and 12 (12.8%) of 94 healthy women. Patients with SLE had increased odds of infection (odds ratio 2.120, 95% confidence interval 1.046-4.296). Among patients with SLE, multiparity was more common in those with U. urealyticum infection (P=0.043).Conclusion: One-quarter of women with SLE had genital infection with U. urealyticum. An association was found between infection and multiparity among women with SLE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Factors associated with violence and the abuse of older adults are understudied and its prevalence in Mexico has not been reported. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence and factors associated with violence and abuse of older adults in Mexico., Methods: We used Mexico's 2012 National Health and Nutrition Survey, which included a sample of 8,894 individuals who are 60 years or older and who self-reported a negative health event related to robbery, aggression or violence in the previous 12 months. We used chi-squared test and Fisher's exact test to analyze the variables related to violence. Adjusted estimates were completed with multiple logistic regression models for complex surveys., Results: The prevalence of violence was 1.7 % for both men and women. In 95 % of the cases, the aggression was from an unknown party. Verbal aggressions were the most prevalent (60 %). Among men, physical aggression was more common. Violence frequently occurred in the home (37.6 %); however, men were primarily assaulted in public places (42.4 %), in comparison to women (30.7 %). There were also differences in the risk factors for violence. Among men, risk was associated with younger age (60-64 years), higher education (secondary school or above) and higher socioeconomic status. Among women, risk was associated with depression, not being the head of the family, and region of the country., Conclusions: Violence against older adults presents differently for men and women, which means it is necessary to increase knowledge about the dynamics of the social determinants of violence, particularly in regards to the role of education among men. The relatively low prevalence found in this study may reflect the difficulty and fear of discussing the topic of violence. This may occur because of cultural factors, as well as by the perception of helplessness perpetuated by the scarce access to social programs that ensure protection and problem solving with regards to the complex social determinants of individual and family violence that this population group endures.