Ecological and Physiological Studies of Gymnodinium catenatum in the Mexican Pacific: A Review

This review presents a detailed analysis of the state of knowledge of studies done in Mexico related to the dinoflagellate Gymnodinium catenatum, a paralytic toxin producer. This species was first reported in the Gulf of California in 1939; since then most studies in Mexico have focused on local blooms and seasonal variations. G. catenatum is most abundant during March and April, usually associated with water temperatures between 18 and 25 ºC and an increase in nutrients. In vitro studies of G. catenatum strains from different bays along the Pacific coast of Mexico show that this species can grow in wide ranges of salinities, temperatures, and N:P ratios. Latitudinal differences are observed in the toxicity and toxin profile, but the presence of dcSTX, dcGTX2-3, C1, and C2 are usual components. A common characteristic of the toxin profile found in shellfish, when G. catenatum is present in the coastal environment, is the detection of dcGTX2-3, dcSTX, C1, and C2. Few bioassay studies have reported effects in mollusks and lethal effects in mice, and shrimp; however no adverse effects have been observed in the copepod Acartia clausi. Interestingly, genetic sequencing of D1-D2 LSU rDNA revealed that it differs only in one base pair, compared with strains from other regions

Cobertura financiera de la banca de desarrollo para el sector rural de México: FIRA y Financiera Rural

En México, el financiamiento al sector rural se sustenta en los Fideicomisos Instituidos en Relación a la Agricultura y en la Finan - ciera Rural, instituciones que conforman la banca de desarrollo para este sector y cuyo propósito esencial es el fomento productivo. Este trabajo analiza la cobertura financiera de la banca de desarrollo en el sector rural en sus dimensiones de amplitud, profundidad, alcance y permanencia. Por la investigación se concluye que la banca de desarrollo del sector rural ha priorizado su sostenibilidad financiera, concentrándose en la amplitud y con pocos logros en alcance y profundidad, lo cual refleja un limitado desempeño como institución de fomento

Prevalence and factors associated with violence and abuse of older adults in Mexico’s 2012 National Health and Nutrition Survey

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.publishedVersio

Fundamentos de toxicología para la seguridad y salud en el trabajo.

Libro completoEste trabajo transdisciplinario es sin duda un texto que deben de leer los profesionales, los estudiantes de pregrado y de posgrado, quienes realizan un diplomado o una especialidad y los profesores relacionados con los temas de toxicología en áreas de seguridad y salud en el trabajo. Estoy seguro que el lector verá enriquecido su acervo de conocimientos, capacidades y competencias. De igual forma tendrá los retos intelectuales que empujen a profundizar en estos fascinantes e indispensables temas de la toxicología y la salud en el trabajo. Los procesos toxicológicos se desarrollan a partir de mecanismos moleculares básicos, alcanzan el ámbito clínico y tienen una repercusión social; en ellos influye de manera determinante el ambiente que incluye la actividad laboral. Partiendo de estos hechos, el libro genera un balance más que adecuado con una plataforma de comprensión de temas, de por sí complejos, que los autores simplifican, sin detrimento del rigor académico. Se advierte el trabajo editorial y la corrección de estilo

Restricciones para orientar a resultados los programas de desarrollo rural en México

The objective of this study was to specify the influence of sectorial planning and evaluation on the design and budgeting of programs linked to rural development and their impact on their improvement. For this, the Integral Program for Rural Development (Programa Integral de Desarrollo Rural, PIDR) by SAGARPA was analyzed, and its relation with normative instruments; in addition, interviews were performed with key actors involved in the processes of design and budgeting of programs directed at the rural sector. It was found that the six-year-term sectorial planning is formally an exercise ordered with accurate diagnoses, with explicit objectives and goals. However, it is not considered in the design and budget allocation of each program; rather, these result from the annual negotiation of the federal government with political groups from the House of Representatives, the Mexican Council on Rural Sustainable Development, the Association of Rural Development Ministers, and unionized producers’ organizations, among others. It is concluded that the instruments of planning, monitoring and control do not guarantee the design and budgeting of results oriented rural development programs.El objetivo de esta investigación fue precisar la influencia de la planeación sectorial y de la evaluación sobre el diseño y presupuestación de los programas vinculados al desarrollo rural y su impacto en la mejora de los mismos. Para ello se analizó el Programa Integral de Desarrollo Rural (PIDR) de la SAGARPA y su relación con los instrumentos normativos; además, se realizaron entrevistas a actores clave involucrados en los procesos de diseño y presupuestación de los programas dirigidos al sector rural. Se encontró que formalmente la planeación sectorial sexenal es un ejercicio ordenado con diagnósticos precisos, con objetivos y metas explícitas. No obstante, no se considera en el diseño y la asignación presupuestal de cada programa; estos más bien resultan de la negociación anual del gobierno federal con los grupos políticos de la Cámara de Diputados, el Consejo Mexicano de Desarrollo Rural Sustentable, la Asociación de Secretarios de Desarrollo Rural y las organizaciones gremiales de productores, entre otros. Se concluye que los instrumentos de planeación, seguimiento y control no garantizan el diseño y presupuestación de programas de desarrollo rural orientados a resultados

Lecciones de la promoción de proyectos caprinos a través del programa estratégico de seguridad alimentaria en Guerrero, México

The impact of goat projects promoted by the Strategic Food Security Program (Programa Estratégico para la Seguridad Alimentaria, PESA) in regions of high marginality in Guerrero, México, was analyzed. A survey was performed in 316 family production units out of a register of 2093 units supported during the 2007-2009 period. The information was gathered in January 2011, in average 20.6 months after having received the first subsidy for the purchase of breeding stock and infrastructure. Of the flocks, 48.9 % were still growing, 13.8 % were stable, 29.8 % were decreasing and only 7.5 % had disappeared. This apparent good performance is consequence of the PESA design, which guarantees support for three years for those who maintain the flocks, independently of their viability. However, the results show that subsidies did not increase the productive capacity, nor did they generate greater wealth or employment, since the net value of impacts (sales, personal consumption and capitalization, minus costs in feed and medicines) in the flocks that were growing was only 14.8 USD annually. It is recommended to promote small-scale livestock production only in regions with vocation for the activity and with producers who have a minimal supply of fodder resources and experience.Se analizó el impacto de los proyectos caprinos promovidos por el Programa Estratégico para la Seguridad Alimentaria (PESA) en regiones de alta marginalidad de Guerrero, México. Se realizó una encuesta en 316 unidades de producción familiar de un padrón de 2093 apoyadas en el periodo 2007-2009. La información se recabó en enero de 2011; en promedio 30.6 meses después de haber recibido el primer subsidio para la adquisición de pie de cría e infraestructura. De los rebaños, 48.9 % se mantenían creciendo, 13.8 % estables, 29.8 % decreciendo y sólo 7.5 % habían desaparecido. Este aparente buen desempeño es consecuencia del diseño del PESA, que garantiza apoyos durante tres años a quien mantenga los rebaños, ello con independencia de su viabilidad. Sin embargo, los resultados muestran que los subsidios no aumentaron la capacidad productiva, ni generaron mayor riqueza o empleos, ya que en los rebaños que estaban creciendo el valor neto de los impactos (ventas, autoconsumo y capitalización, menos costos en alimentos y medicinas) fue de apenas 14.8 USD anuales. Se recomienda promover la ganadería en pequeña escala sólo en regiones con vocación para la actividad y con productores que cuenten con una dotación mínima de recursos forrajeros y experiencia

Estimating mortality and disability in Peru before the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic analysis from the Global Burden of the Disease Study 2019

Background: Estimating and analyzing trends and patterns of health loss are essential to promote efficient resource allocation and improve Peru’s healthcare system performance. Methods: Using estimates from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD), Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (2019), we assessed mortality and disability in Peru from 1990 to 2019. We report demographic and epidemiologic trends in terms of population, life expectancy at birth (LE), mortality, incidence, prevalence, years of life lost (YLLs), years lived with disability (YLDs), and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) caused by the major diseases and risk factors in Peru. Finally, we compared Peru with 16 countries in the Latin American (LA) region. Results: The Peruvian population reached 33.9 million inhabitants (49.9% women) in 2019. From 1990 to 2019, LE at birth increased from 69.2 (95% uncertainty interval 67.8–70.3) to 80.3 (77.2–83.2) years. This increase was driven by the decline in under-5 mortality (−80.7%) and mortality from infectious diseases in older age groups (+60 years old). The number of DALYs in 1990 was 9.2 million (8.5–10.1) and reached 7.5 million (6.1–9.0) in 2019. The proportion of DALYs due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) increased from 38.2% in 1990 to 67.9% in 2019. The all-ages and age-standardized DALYs rates and YLLs rates decreased, but YLDs rates remained constant. In 2019, the leading causes of DALYs were neonatal disorders, lower respiratory infections (LRIs), ischemic heart disease, road injuries, and low back pain. The leading risk factors associated with DALYs in 2019 were undernutrition, high body mass index, high fasting plasma glucose, and air pollution. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Peru experienced one of the highest LRIs-DALYs rates in the LA region. Conclusion: In the last three decades, Peru experienced significant improvements in LE and child survival and an increase in the burden of NCDs and associated disability. The Peruvian healthcare system must be redesigned to respond to this epidemiological transition. The new design should aim to reduce premature deaths and maintain healthy longevity, focusing on effective coverage and treatment of NCDs and reducing and managing the related disability

Evaluation of factors leading to poor outcomes for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Mexico: a multi-institutional report of 2,116 patients

Background and aimsPediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survival rates in low- and middle-income countries are lower due to deficiencies in multilevel factors, including access to timely diagnosis, risk-stratified therapy, and comprehensive supportive care. This retrospective study aimed to analyze outcomes for pediatric ALL at 16 centers in Mexico.MethodsPatients <18 years of age with newly diagnosed B- and T-cell ALL treated between January 2011 and December 2019 were included. Clinical and biological characteristics and their association with outcomes were examined.ResultsOverall, 2,116 patients with a median age of 6.3 years were included. B-cell immunophenotype was identified in 1,889 (89.3%) patients. The median white blood cells at diagnosis were 11.2.5 × 103/mm3. CNS-1 status was reported in 1,810 (85.5%), CNS-2 in 67 (3.2%), and CNS-3 in 61 (2.9%). A total of 1,488 patients (70.4%) were classified as high-risk at diagnosis. However, in 52.5% (991/1,889) of patients with B-cell ALL, the reported risk group did not match the calculated risk group allocation based on National Cancer Institute (NCI) criteria. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and PCR tests were performed for 407 (19.2%) and 736 (34.8%) patients, respectively. Minimal residual disease (MRD) during induction was performed in 1,158 patients (54.7%). The median follow-up was 3.7 years. During induction, 191 patients died (9.1%), and 45 patients (2.1%) experienced induction failure. A total of 365 deaths (17.3%) occurred, including 174 deaths after remission. Six percent (176) of patients abandoned treatment. The 5-year event-free survival (EFS) was 58.9% ± 1.7% for B-cell ALL and 47.4% ± 5.9% for T-cell ALL, while the 5-year overall survival (OS) was 67.5% ± 1.6% for B-cell ALL and 54.3% ± 0.6% for T-cell ALL. The 5-year cumulative incidence of central nervous system (CNS) relapse was 5.5% ± 0.6%. For the whole cohort, significantly higher outcomes were seen for patients aged 1–10 years, with DNA index >0.9, with hyperdiploid ALL, and without substantial treatment modifications. In multivariable analyses, age and Day 15 MRD continued to have a significant effect on EFS.ConclusionOutcomes in this multi-institutional cohort describe poor outcomes, influenced by incomplete and inconsistent risk stratification, early toxic death, high on-treatment mortality, and high CNS relapse rate. Adopting comprehensive risk-stratification strategies, evidence-informed de-intensification for favorable-risk patients and optimized supportive care could improve outcomes