Scientific research on exotic and native mollusk farming in Mexico ac-cording to SCOPUS

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate scientific productivity in this field through the database deposited in SCOPUS for Mexico. Design/methodology/approach: The genera and species of mollusks, currently cultivated or with cultivation potential, marine and freshwater, native and exotic, that have been studied are identified. The SCOPUS search was performed using the scientific name of the corresponding species in the publication title. The number of publications, the institutions that generated them, the SCOPUS theme of the study and the research funders were obtained. Results: There is an uneven growth, with a greater focus on abalone and octopus, while the genus Crassostrea, particularly the species C. gigas, leads the production of scientific articles. CIBNOR and IPN are the most relevant institutions in scientific production in molluscan aquaculture in Mexico. Limitations on study/implications: Despite the interest, advances in areas such as physiology, nutrition and reproduction have not been translated into efficient culture technologies in most cases. Findings/conclusions: These findings highlight the need to promote research and technological development in the aquaculture of native mollusks in Mexico, as well as to promote collaboration between academic research institutions and the production sector to overcome the challenges in the culture of these specie

Scientific research on exotic and native fish farming in Mexico: a sci-entometric view.

Objective: To analyze through a scientometric study, the research effort in Mexico on the study of native and exotic fish species with aquaculture production technology, indexed in Scopus. Design/methodology/approach: Fish species were selected based on a previous study and communications with researchers. Scientific articles from 1990 to 2023 were collected from the Scopus database, focusing on studies conducted by Mexican institutions. Data were transferred to Excel® sheets for analysis, including number of publications, topics, institutions, funding sources and open access documents. Results: The species that shows the greatest number of articles published is Oreochromis niloticus, although there is a clear interest in addressing studies on native species.  In general, scientific production is led by institutions such as UNAM, IPN, UABC, CIAD and CIBNOR. The dominant topics are aquaculture, ecology, biochemistry, immunology, and parasitology. CONAHCYT is the main source of funding. About half of the publications were open access. Limitations on study/implications: The study is limited to the Scopus database, which is the one that includes the largest number of journals worldwide. However, by not including other databases the results could have a slight bias, although we do not consider that the trends changed significantly. Findings/conclusions: Fish research in Mexico shows a positive outlook, with great interest in several species. However, it faces challenges such as the concentration of effort on exotic species, and the impact of the pandemic on research. A balanced approach is needed to encourage research on native species and facilitate open access to scientific information. This will strengthen fish research in Mexico and enhance its impact on the development of the country

Mortality and pulmonary complications in patients undergoing surgery with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection: an international cohort study

Background: The impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on postoperative recovery needs to be understood to inform clinical decision making during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study reports 30-day mortality and pulmonary complication rates in patients with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: This international, multicentre, cohort study at 235 hospitals in 24 countries included all patients undergoing surgery who had SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed within 7 days before or 30 days after surgery. The primary outcome measure was 30-day postoperative mortality and was assessed in all enrolled patients. The main secondary outcome measure was pulmonary complications, defined as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, or unexpected postoperative ventilation. Findings: This analysis includes 1128 patients who had surgery between Jan 1 and March 31, 2020, of whom 835 (74·0%) had emergency surgery and 280 (24·8%) had elective surgery. SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed preoperatively in 294 (26·1%) patients. 30-day mortality was 23·8% (268 of 1128). Pulmonary complications occurred in 577 (51·2%) of 1128 patients; 30-day mortality in these patients was 38·0% (219 of 577), accounting for 81·7% (219 of 268) of all deaths. In adjusted analyses, 30-day mortality was associated with male sex (odds ratio 1·75 [95% CI 1·28–2·40], p\textless0·0001), age 70 years or older versus younger than 70 years (2·30 [1·65–3·22], p\textless0·0001), American Society of Anesthesiologists grades 3–5 versus grades 1–2 (2·35 [1·57–3·53], p\textless0·0001), malignant versus benign or obstetric diagnosis (1·55 [1·01–2·39], p=0·046), emergency versus elective surgery (1·67 [1·06–2·63], p=0·026), and major versus minor surgery (1·52 [1·01–2·31], p=0·047). Interpretation: Postoperative pulmonary complications occur in half of patients with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection and are associated with high mortality. Thresholds for surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic should be higher than during normal practice, particularly in men aged 70 years and older. Consideration should be given for postponing non-urgent procedures and promoting non-operative treatment to delay or avoid the need for surgery. Funding: National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland, Bowel and Cancer Research, Bowel Disease Research Foundation, Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons, British Association of Surgical Oncology, British Gynaecological Cancer Society, European Society of Coloproctology, NIHR Academy, Sarcoma UK, Vascular Society for Great Britain and Ireland, and Yorkshire Cancer Research

Exploring powder metallurgy-processed Ti–25Ta-xCu alloys for potential biomedical applications

The prevalence of certain bone-related disorders, the advancing age of the population, and routine incidents all contribute to an escalating demand for orthopedic and dental implants. Consequently, there is a growing emphasis on exploring novel material options that can efficiently replace the affected regions. In this study, Ti–25Ta alloys with small amounts of copper (1, 3, and 5 vol%) were developed via powder metallurgy to limit manufacturing costs and induce new functionality on the materials, including antibacterial response. The addition of copper further stabilized the beta titanium phase, promoted the formation of the Ti2Cu phase, slightly increased the microhardness and elasticity modulus of the alloys, and enhanced their corrosion resistance in simulated body fluid (SBF) at 37 °C. All sintered materials exhibited a bacteriostatic response when exposed to bacterial strains of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It was observed that higher copper content correlated with a decrease in Escherichia coli colony-forming units (CFU). Based on all conducted evaluations, the Ti–25Ta–5Cu alloy demonstrated the highest potential for future use in the field of biomedical applications

Scientific research on exotic and native mollusk farming in Mexico according to SCOPUS

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate scientific productivity in this field through the database deposited in SCOPUS for Mexico. Design/methodology/approach: The genera and species of mollusks, currently cultivated or with cultivation potential, marine and freshwater, native and exotic, that have been studied are identified. The SCOPUS search was performed using the scientific name of the corresponding species in the publication title. The number of publications, the institutions that generated them, the SCOPUS theme of the study and the research funders were obtained. Results: There is an uneven growth, with a greater focus on abalone and octopus, while the genus Crassostrea, particularly the species C. gigas, leads the production of scientific articles. CIBNOR and IPN are the most relevant institutions in scientific production in molluscan aquaculture in Mexico. Limitations on study/implications: Despite the interest, advances in areas such as physiology, nutrition and reproduction have not been translated into efficient culture technologies in most cases. Findings/conclusions: These findings highlight the need to promote research and technological development in the aquaculture of native mollusks in Mexico, as well as to promote collaboration between academic research institutions and the production sector to overcome the challenges in the culture of these species

Cytochrome c: Using Biological Insight toward Engineering an Optimized Anticancer Biodrug

The heme protein cytochrome c (Cyt c) plays pivotal roles in cellular life and death processes. In the respiratory chain of mitochondria, it serves as an electron transfer protein, contributing to the proliferation of healthy cells. In the cell cytoplasm, it activates intrinsic apoptosis to terminate damaged cells. Insight into these mechanisms and the associated physicochemical properties and biomolecular interactions of Cyt c informs on the anticancer therapeutic potential of the protein, especially in its ability to subvert the current limitations of small molecule-based chemotherapy. In this review, we explore the development of Cyt c as an anticancer drug by identifying cancer types that would be receptive to the cytotoxicity of the protein and factors that can be finetuned to enhance its apoptotic potency. To this end, some information is obtained by characterizing known drugs that operate, in part, by triggering Cyt c induced apoptosis. The application of different smart drug delivery systems is surveyed to highlight important features for maintaining Cyt c stability and activity and improving its specificity for cancer cells and high drug payload release while recognizing the continuing limitations. This work serves to elucidate on the optimization of the strategies to translate Cyt c to the clinical market.</jats:p

Cytochrome c: Using Biological Insight toward Engineering an Optimized Anticancer Biodrug

The heme protein cytochrome c (Cyt c) plays pivotal roles in cellular life and death processes. In the respiratory chain of mitochondria, it serves as an electron transfer protein, contributing to the proliferation of healthy cells. In the cell cytoplasm, it activates intrinsic apoptosis to terminate damaged cells. Insight into these mechanisms and the associated physicochemical properties and biomolecular interactions of Cyt c informs on the anticancer therapeutic potential of the protein, especially in its ability to subvert the current limitations of small molecule-based chemotherapy. In this review, we explore the development of Cyt c as an anticancer drug by identifying cancer types that would be receptive to the cytotoxicity of the protein and factors that can be finetuned to enhance its apoptotic potency. To this end, some information is obtained by characterizing known drugs that operate, in part, by triggering Cyt c induced apoptosis. The application of different smart drug delivery systems is surveyed to highlight important features for maintaining Cyt c stability and activity and improving its specificity for cancer cells and high drug payload release while recognizing the continuing limitations. This work serves to elucidate on the optimization of the strategies to translate Cyt c to the clinical market