The Poor Survival among Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients in Chiapas, Mexico: The Case of Los Altos Region

Objective. To analyse survival in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and factors associated with such survival. Design. Study of a cohort of patients aged over 14 years diagnosed with PTB from January 1, 1998 to July 31, 2005. During 2004–2006 a home visit was made to each patient and, during 2008-2009, they were visited again. During these visits a follow-up interview was administered; when the patient had died, a verbal autopsy was conducted with family members. Statistical analysis consisted of survival tests, Kaplan-Meier log-rank test and Cox regression. Results. Of 305 studied patients, 68 had died due to PTB by the time of the first evaluation, 237 were followed-up for a second evaluation, and 10 of them had died of PTB. According to the Cox regression, age (over 45 years) and treatment duration (under six months) were associated with a poorer survival. When treatment duration was excluded, the association between poorer survival with age persisted, whereas with having been treated via DOTS strategy, was barely significant. Conclusions. In the studied area it is necessary that patients receive a complete treatment scheme, and to give priority to patients aged over 45 years

Molecular mechanisms of resveratrol as chemo and radiosensitizer in cancer

One of the primary diseases that cause death worldwide is cancer. Cancer cells can be intrinsically resistant or acquire resistance to therapies and drugs used for cancer treatment through multiple mechanisms of action that favor cell survival and proliferation, becoming one of the leading causes of treatment failure against cancer. A promising strategy to overcome chemoresistance and radioresistance is the co-administration of anticancer agents and natural compounds with anticancer properties, such as the polyphenolic compound resveratrol (RSV). RSV has been reported to be able to sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents and radiotherapy, promoting cancer cell death. This review describes the reported molecular mechanisms by which RSV sensitizes tumor cells to radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment

Lecciones aprendidas del terremoto de Lorca de 2011.

El terremoto de Lorca del 11 de mayo de 2011, de magnitud Mw=5,2, causó un enorme impacto en la ciudad y una gran alarma social, provocando 9 víctimas mortales, centenares de heridos y cuantiosos daños materiales. Este trabajo recoge las opiniones de varios expertos que tuvieron un papel destacado en la gestión y análisis del suceso, y la de 627 lorquinos a través de una encuesta llevada a cabo por estudiantes del I.E.S. Ramón Arcas de Lorca. Aunque cada uno de los expertos y los ciudadanos inciden en aspectos diferentes, el análisis de sus opiniones nos permite concluir, como principal lección aprendida, que terremotos futuros como el de Lorca pueden producir muchos menos daños si se trabaja conjuntamente en mejorar: (1) la investigación sísmica, (2) la calidad de las construcciones, (3) la gestión de las catástrofes naturales y (4) la formación de la ciudadanía. Esta aproximación multidisciplinar al terremoto de Lorca puede resultar interesante para los estudiantes, y puede aportar ideas a los docentes para el análisis de futuros terremotos

Comportamiento productivo inicial del mangostán (Garcinia mangostana L.) en el Soconusco, Chiapas, México

Objective: To evaluate the initial productive behavior of mangosteen plantation in order to have reference elements on the productivity of this fruit tree in the region of Soconusco, Chiapas. Design/ Methodology: Mangosteen plantation was established during the year 2010 in the experimental station Rosario Izapa, Tuxtla Chico, Chiapas. From the beginning of the production stage and during four production cycles corresponding to the years 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, production was quantified as the individual production of each of the 196 trees that make up the plantation. The start date of the flowering, beginning and end of the harvest, number of fruits / tree and weight of fruits / tree and yield were recorded. The analysis of variance was performed for the variables fruit / tree and fruit / tree weight, by means of an experimental design of blocks of chance with three repetitions. Results: The plantation began its productive stage at five years and six months of age. Flowering occurs during the January-February period. The harvest begins in the months of May-June and ends in the month of September. The highest volume of production is obtained during the month of August. At the first harvest a yield of 26.3 kg/ ha was obtained and an average of 11 fruits / tree that increases 1.6 ton / ha per year of establishment, with an average of 146 fruits / tree. Predominated the fruits whose weight range is 60 to 80 grams. Limitations of the study/Implications: It is necessary to carry on the evaluation in subsequent years. Findings/Conclusions: It is concluded that the mangosteen represents a viable alternative to diversify fruit growing in the region of Soconusco, Chiapas.Objetivo: Evaluar el comportamiento productivo inicial del mangostán Garcinia mangostana L., para disponer de elementos de referencia sobre la productividad de dicho frutal en la Región del Soconusco, Chiapas. Diseño/metodología: La plantación de mangostán se estableció en el año 2010 en el Campo Experimental Rosario Izapa, Tuxtla Chico, Chiapas. Desde el inicio de la etapa productiva y durante cuatro ciclos de producción correspondientes a los años 2015, 2016, 2017 y 2018, se registró la fecha de inicio de floración, inicio y término de cosecha, número de frutos árbol-1, peso de los frutos árbol-1 y rendimiento de cada uno de los 196 árboles que conforman la plantación. Se realizó el análisis de varianza para la variable frutos árbol-1 mediante un diseño experimental de bloques al azar con tres repeticiones. Resultados: La plantación inició su etapa productiva a los 5.5 años de edad. La cosecha inicia en mayo-junio y concluye en septiembre. El mayor volumen de producción se obtiene durante agosto. A la primera cosecha el rendimiento fue de 26.3 kg ha-1 con promedio de 11 frutos árbol-1 que se incrementa a 1.6 ton ha-1 al año 8 del establecimiento de la plantación, con un promedio de 146 frutos árbol-1. Predominaron frutos con rango de peso de 60 a 80 g. Limitaciones del estudio/implicaciones: Es necesario continuar con la evaluación en años subsiguientes. Hallazgos/conclusiones: El mangostán representa una alternativa productiva viable para diversificar la fruticultura en la región del Soconusco, Chiapas

Composición nutricional en hojas de 20 genotipos de Moringa oleifera Lam

Objective: Determine the nutritional composition of fresh and dehydrated leaves of 20 Moringa oleifera Lam genotypes. Design/morphology/approach: The vegetative material was obtained from three-year-old trees of 20 genotypes of Moringa oleifera, stablished in the Experimental station Rosario Izapa of INIFAP. For the proximal analysis, the standardized methods recommended by national and international standards were used. Results: The highest nutrient content was found in the dehydrated leaves, in which high average contents of crude protein were found (26.9 g/100g); calcium (2560.8 mg/100g); iron (12.5 mg/100g) and potassium (1976 mg/100g), as well as acceptable average crude fiber contents (9.5 g/ 100/g); fat (5.7 g/100g); carbohydrates (42.9 g/100g); energy value (330.4 kcal/ 100g); zinc (4.9 mg/100g); sodium (95.1 mg/100g); magnesium (408.3 mg/100g) and phosphorus (271.6 mg/100g). The highest contents of crude protein, zinc, potassium and phosphorus, iron and calcium were registered in the genotypes RIMOR10 and RIMOR 6. Limitations on the study /implications:  It is necessary to verify the nutritional content of moringa leaves in other environmental conditions different from the study area. Findings/conclusions: Dehydrated moringa leaves have a high content of crude protein, iron, calcium and potassium, as well as acceptable contents of crude fiber, fat, carbohydrates, energy value, zinc, sodium, magnesium and phosphorus, higher than other foods, so that its consumption is considered a viable alternative to complement the traditional diet to reduce the problem of malnutrition in Mexico.Objetivo: Determinar la composición nutricional de hojas frescas y deshidratadas de 20 genotipos de Moringa Moringa oleifera Lam. Diseño/metodología/: El material vegetal se obtuvo de árboles de tres años de edad de 20 genotipos de Moringa oleifera, establecidos en el Campo Experimental Rosario Izapa del INIFAP. Para el análisis proximal se utilizaron los métodos estandarizados y recomendados por las normas nacionales e internacionales. Resultados: El mayor contenido de nutrientes se encontró en las hojas deshidratadas, con contenidos promedio altos de proteína cruda (26.9 g/100/g); calcio (2560.8 mg/100g); hierro (12.5 mg/100g) y potasio (1976 mg/100g), así como contenidos promedio aceptables de fibra cruda (9.5 g/100/g); grasa (5.7 g/100g); carbohidratos (42.9 g/100/g); valor energético (330.4 Kcal/100g); zinc (4.9 mg/100g); sodio (95.1 mg/100g); magnesio (408.3 mg/100g) y fósforo (271.6 mg/100g). Los mayores contenidos de proteína cruda, zinc, potasio y fósforo, hierro y calcio se registraron en los genotipos RIMOR 10 y RIMOR 6. Limitaciones del estudio/implicaciones: Se considera necesario verificar el contenido nutricional de hojas de moringa, en otras condiciones de ambiente diferentes a las del área de estudio. Hallazgos/conclusiones: Las hojas deshidratadas de moringa poseen un alto contenido de proteína cruda, hierro, calcio y potasio, así como contenidos aceptables de fibra cruda, grasa, carbohidratos, valor energético, zinc, sodio, magnesio y fósforo, superior al de otros alimentos, por lo que su consumo se considera una alternativa viable como complemento de la dieta tradicional para reducir el problema de desnutrición en México

Remoción de carga orgánica en lixiviados por medio de un biofiltro empacado con residuos estabilizados

Los sitios de disposición final de residuos sólidos mal operados, causan afectaciones en su entorno y generan problemas de salud pública; estos sitios en general, son concebidos como pasivos ambientales. En el presente estudio se extrajeron residuos sólidos con edad superior a 8 años de la zona clausurada del relleno sanitario de la ciudad de Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, México. Los residuos se caracterizaron con los parámetros de humedad, sólidos totales y sólidos volátiles, encontrando una alta estabilidad biológica en los mismos. Posteriormente, con el objetivo de evaluar el potencial biológico en el tratamiento de lixiviados, estos materiales fueron utilizados como lecho de empaque dentro de un biofiltro semi-aeróbico. Durante los ocho meses de monitoreo, el biofiltro registró eficiencias de remoción en DQO entre 60 y 90%, y alrededor de 60% en color, con cargas hidráulicas del orden de los 10-11 L/m3-d. Estos resultados representan de las primeras investigaciones en México usando como material de empaque residuos estabilizados, demostrando con ello, que los biofiltros pueden ser utilizados como una alternativa atractiva para el pretratamiento de lixiviados de rellenos sanitarios

Integrated management of yellow aphid (Melanaphis sacchari Zehntner) in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) Moench in Guerrero, Mexico

Sorghum is cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of the world and is an important cereal for Mexico. However, it is affected by different pests, especially the yellow aphid. The objective of the research was to evaluate the effectiveness of biological, botanical and chemical insecticides in reducing Melanaphis sacchari populations in sorghum plants under greenhouse conditions. Planting was conducted in a greenhouse, using the sorghum hybrid 945-M. Pests, diseases and weeds management were implemented. The incidence of the yellow aphid was induced artificially. A total of 13 treatments were applied. The following variables were assessed: the number of aphids per leaf, the biological effectiveness of the treatments, plant height, diameter of the plant stem, number of leaves, and the weight of fresh and dry plants. An analysis of variance was conducted for each variable under study, as along with a comparison of means using the Tukey method (α=0.05) and correlation analysis using the SAS® 9.4 software. The chemical, biological and organic insecticide that exhibited the greatest control of the yellow aphid (more than 95%) were: Toretto® (sulfoxaflor), PHC® Meta Tron® (M. anisopliae), Bio-Die® (Argemonin, Berberine, Ricinin and a-Terthienyl). Adequate management strategies are needed to avoid health problems in people, environmental contamination and resistance or multiple resistance

Control of Macrophomina pseudophaseolina Crous, Sarr & Ndiaye with Trichoderma spp. and botanical and chemical pesticides

Chili is the most important traditionally consumed vegetable in Mexico; however, production is reduced by soil fungi. The objective of the research was to evaluate in in vitro, greenhouse and field conditions, the effectiveness of biological, botanical and chemical pesticides for the control of Macrophomina pseudophaseolina. In vitro, greenhouse and field experiments were carried out to evaluate the control effect of different pesticides for the control of M. pseudophaseolina. It was determined that all the evaluated strains of Trichoderma spp. They had a fungistatic effect against M. pseudophaseolina, and T. reesei showed the greatest antagonism and antibiosis against M. pseudophaseolina. High, medium and low doses of NeemAcar® and high and medium doses of Regalia® Maxx inhibited 100% the growth of M. pseudophaseolina mycelium. In the greenhouse, the lowest percentage of severity was obtained in the treatment with Regalia® Maxx + T. reesei. In the field, the lowest severity was determined with the application of NeemAcar® CE + Headline®. The preventive or curative application of biological, botanical and chemical pesticides did not influence the severity of the disease.Objective: The objective of the research was to evaluate in in vitro, greenhouse and field conditions, the effectiveness of biological, botanical and chemical pesticides for the control of Macrophomina pseudophaseolina. Design/methodology/approach: In vitro, greenhouse and field experiments were carried out to evaluate the control effect of different pesticides for the control of M. pseudophaseolina. Results: It was determined that all the evaluated strains of Trichoderma spp. they had a fungistatic effect against M. pseudophaseolina, and T. reesei showed the greatest antagonism and antibiosis against M. pseudophaseolina. High, medium and low doses of NeemAcar® and high and medium doses of Regalia® Maxx inhibited 100% the growth of M. pseudophaseolina mycelium. In the greenhouse, the lowest percentage of severity was obtained in the treatment with Regalia® Maxx + T. reesei. In the field, the lowest severity was determined with the application of NeemAcar® CE + Headline®. Limitations on study/implications: Our results are essential for the management of this disease by producers. Findings/conclusions: The implementation of the use of Trichoderma spp., botanical pesticides and chemical insecticides is recommended for the control of M. pseudophaseolina,

Caracterización morfoagronómica de coyol (Acrocomia aculeata Jacq.) para determinar su potencial productivo de aceite para biodiesel

Objective: To characterize morphologically natural populations of Acrocomia aculeata to determine the potential production of oil for biodiesel. Design/morphology/approach: Eight natural populations of the species were selected in the states of Chiapas and Oaxaca. As descriptors 25 quantitative and qualitative characters were selected. The analysis of the main components and hierarchical conglomerates was performed with the PRINCOMP and PROC CLUSTER procedures of SAS, respectively. The dendrogram of groups of populations with morphological similarities was generated. Results: The first three main components explain 69.4% of the total morphological variation. CP1 explained 29.6% of the total variation with the characters stem diameter, mesocarp thickness, seed length, seed width, seed length-width ratio, seed thickness and seed weight. CP2 explained 26.1% of the variation, with the characters fruit width, fruit length, mesocarp color, and oil content in the mesocarp. CP3 explained 13.7% of the variation with the length of the rachis, epicarp color and endocarp color. The eight populations were integrated into five morphologically distinct groups. Limitations on the study/implications: It is necessary to expand the number of populations for greater precision on the diversity of the species in Mexico. Findings/conclusions: A wide genetic diversity of A. culeata was found. The variables that mostly explain this diversity correspond to the fruit and seed. The species represents a viable alternative for obtaining inputs for the production of biodiesel in Mexico.Objetivo: Caracterizar morfológicamente poblaciones naturales de Acrocomia aculeata para determinar su potencial para la producción de aceite para biodiesel. Diseño/metodología/aproximación: Se seleccionaron ocho poblaciones naturales de la especie en los estados de Chiapas y Oaxaca. Como descriptores se seleccionaron 25 caracteres cuantitativos y cualitativos. El análisis de componentes principales y conglomerados jerárquico se realizó con los procedimientos PRINCOMP y PROC CLUSTER de SAS, respectivamente. Se generó el dendograma de grupos de poblaciones con similitudes morfológicas. Resultados: Los tres primeros componentes principales explican el 69.4% de la variación morfológica total. El CP1 explicó el 29.6% de la variación total con los caracteres diámetro del tallo, grosor del mesocarpio, longitud de semilla, ancho de semilla, relación longitud-ancho de semilla, grosor de la semilla y peso de semilla. El CP2 explicó el 26.1% de la variación, con los caracteres ancho del fruto, largo del fruto, color del mesocarpio y contenido de aceite en el mesocarpio. El CP3 explicó el 13.7% de la variación con los caracteres longitud de raquis, color de epicarpio y color de endocarpio. Las ocho poblaciones se integraron en cinco grupos morfológicamente distintos. Limitaciones del estudio/implicaciones: Es necesario ampliar el número de poblaciones para una mayor precisión sobre la diversidad de la especie en México. Hallazgos/conclusiones: Se encontró una amplia diversidad genética en A. aculeata. Las variables que mayormente explican dicha diversidad corresponden al fruto y semilla. La especie representa una opción viable para la obtención de aceite para la producción de biodiesel en México

Lessons learned from the 2011 Lorca Earthquake

El terremoto de Lorca del 11 de mayo de 2011, de magnitud Mw=5,2, causó un enorme impacto en la ciudad y una gran alarma social, provocando 9 víctimas mortales, centenares de heridos y cuantiosos daños materiales. Este trabajo recoge las opiniones de varios expertos que tuvieron un papel destacado en la gestión y análisis del suceso, y la de 627 lorquinos a través de una encuesta llevada a cabo por estudiantes del I.E.S. Ramón Arcas de Lorca. Aunque cada uno de los expertos y los ciudadanos inciden en aspectos diferentes, el análisis de sus opiniones nos permite concluir, como principal lección aprendida, que terremotos futuros como el de Lorca pueden producir muchos menos daños si se trabaja conjuntamente en mejorar: (1) la investigación sísmica, (2) la calidad de las construcciones, (3) la gestión de las catástrofes naturales y (4) la formación de la ciudadanía. Esta aproximación multidisciplinar al terremoto de Lorca puede resultar interesante para los estudiantes, y puede aportar ideas a los docentes para el análisis de futuros terremotos.The Mw 5,2 earthquake of 11 May 2011 in Lorca caused a great impact and social alarm, producing 9 fatalities, injuring hundreds and leaving widespread damage. This paper collects opinions by several experts on earthquakes and seismic risk management, and the opinions of 627 citizens from on an opinion poll conducted by students of the Ramon Arcas high school in Lorca. Although experts and citizens focus their attention on different items, anaylizing their opinions allows us to conclude that prevention or mitigation of the effects of future earthquakes needs combined efforts aimed at improving: (1) earthquake research, (2) earthquakeproof design of buildings, (3) seismic risk management and (4) self-protection measures and education of the population. This multidisciplinary approach of the Lorca earthquake is interesting for students and teachers when it comes to analyzing future earthquakes.Depto. de Geodinámica, Estratigrafía y PaleontologíaFac. de Ciencias GeológicasTRUEEspaña. Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovaciónpu