Table of life for beneficiaries of the Institute of Security and Social Services of State Workers (ISSSTE), Mexico 2021.

OBJECTIVE: Determine the life expectancy in the covered population of the Institute of Security and Social Services of State Workers in México for 2021. METHOD: We used the abrogated method from Reed-Merrel, for calculate the life expectancy in age groups. RESULTS: By 2021, life expectancy general was 79.51 years; 81.40 years and 78.91 years for woman and men, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The calculated life expectancy not show a reduction in the population of federal and State employees in Mexico.

OBJETIVO: Determinar la esperanza de vida en la población amparada del Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado en México para 2021. MÉTODO: Se utilizó el método abreviado de Reed-Merrel para calcular la esperanza de vida en grupos quinquenales de edad. RESULTADOS: Para 2021, la esperanza de vida general fue de 79.51 años; de 81.40 años y 78.91 años para mujeres y para hombres, respectivamente. CONCLUSIONES: La esperanza de vida calculada no presentó reducción después de la pandemia de COVID-19 para la población de empleados federales de México en 2021.

Barriers and facilitators for adherence to follow-up by HR-HPV-positive women with premalignant cervical lesions: a mixed-design study in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Mexico reports low follow-up completion rates among women with abnormal cervical cancer screenings. This study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to follow-up adherence among women with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and premalignant cervical lesions in Mexico. METHODS: A mixed-methods study was conducted from February to April 2019. Participants included women undergoing follow-up care for high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) and premalignant lesions, along with health personnel from the Women's Healthcare Center (CAPASAM) in Mexico. Quantitative data were obtained from the Women's Cancer Information System and through a questionnaire about factors affecting follow-up adherence. Additionally, the health personnel involved completed a compliance checklist regarding care regulations. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. Qualitative data were collected via semi-structured interviews with both groups, followed by a content analysis based on identified categories. The Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point System confirmed care process risks. Proposals to enhance the Early Detection Program for Prevention and Control of Cervical Cancer were collected from a CAPASAM health personnel nominal group. RESULTS: Identified barriers to follow-up included low income among CAPASAM users, family provider roles limiting time for appointments, long waits for testing and results delivery, distant facilities, insufficient service hour communication, inadequate health personnel training, and a lack of systematic counseling. Hesitation toward follow-up was also linked to shame, apprehension, uncertainty, test aversion, fear of positive results, and limited cervical cancer and screening knowledge. Patriarchal attitudes of partners and limited access to the now-discontinued PROSPERA government program further discouraged follow-up. Facilitators comprised respectful treatment by CAPASAM staff, no-cost services, health campaigns, and positive user attitudes. CONCLUSIONS: The study found more barriers than facilitators to follow-up adherence, highlighting the need for strategies to bolster the Early Detection Program. Future strategies must address the comprehensive array of factors and incorporate stakeholder perspectives.

Disability and its impact on life expectancy: heterogeneity across Mexican states.

BACKGROUND: The percentage of the world's population with disabilities is estimated to be 16%, although its distribution and intensity varies within nations. We aim to disentangle the degree and types of disabilities, estimate the years spent with more severe disabilities, and analyze their distribution across states and between sexes in Mexico. METHODS: The Mexican Census of 2020 includes information on disabilities, which allows the study of its national distribution. We used life tables and the Sullivan method to calculate the number of years spent with disability (NYSD) and its percentage with respect to life expectancy for each state and each sex. RESULTS: In Mexico, the population with disabilities is estimated to be 16.5%. Of this total, 69% have milder disabilities, while the remaining 31% have more severe disabilities. At age eighteen, there is a higher NYSD from more severe disabilities for females with 5.67 years (95% CI 5.66 to 5.69) as opposed to males with 3.66 years (95% CI 3.65 to 3.67). Across states, a more homogeneous distribution with lower NYSD is observed for men (between 2.44 and 5.69 years) than for women (4.14 and 8.08 years). A north-south division can also be observed, with particularly notorious disadvantages among coastal states, which is more distinctive among women. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that comparing the number of years spent with disability and the total life expectancy between subpopulations is essential for monitoring the well-being of aging populations, guiding policy decisions, and promoting a society that values and supports all individuals, regardless of their abilities.

A cascade of care for diabetes in people living with HIV in a tertiary care center in Mexico City.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes affects 4.5% of people living with HIV in Mexico. This study aims to describe the diabetes cascade of care (DMC) in people with HIV in a tertiary center in Mexico City. METHODS: We conducted a single-center review of people with HIV aged over 18, using medical records of active people enrolled at the Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán (INCMNSZ) HIV Clinic (HIVC). Our analysis focused on their last visit to describe the DMC, aiming to identify gaps in control goals. We included people who had a consultation within the 12 months preceding May 2020. RESULTS: Out of the 2072 active people, medical records were available for 2050 (98.9%). Among these, 326 people (15.9%) had fasting glucose (FG) abnormalities, of which 133 (40.7%) had diabetes. The prevalence of diabetes among people with HIV was of 6.4% (133/2050). Regarding the DMC, the following proportions of people achieved control goals: 133/133 (100%) received medical care in the last 12 months, 123/123 (100%) had blood pressure (BP) <140/90 mmHg, 73/132 (55.3%) had LDL cholesterol (c-LDL) <100 mg/dl, 63/132 (47.7%) had FG <130 mg/dl, 50/116 (43.1%) had glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) <7%. ABC goals (HbA1c <7%, c-LDL <100 mg/dl, BP <140/90 mmHg) were met in 28/109 (25.6%) people. 126/133 (94%) people with HIV achieved HIV-viral load <50 copies/mL. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the high rate of viral suppression among people with HIV and diabetes, significant challenges remain in achieving comprehensive diabetes control. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve metabolic outcomes and the overall management of diabetes in people with HIV.

Imported malaria cases by Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax in Mexican territory: Potential impact of the migration crisis.

BACKGROUND: As the migratory flow to the USA has intensified in recent months, health problems associated have been identified. The aim of this work was the identification of malaria cases imported into Mexican territory. METHODS: Operational definitions of suspected and confirmed cases were used for investigation of malaria cases. Detection of parasitic entities by thick blood smear and molecular biology served as a confirmatory test. With the characteristics of the cases, a heat map was made to determine common clinical pictures. Finally, epidemiological analysis of cases was performed for the construction of timelines of imported malaria and the tracing of migratory routes. RESULTS: Twelve migrants from four countries were treated for presenting clinical symptoms with suspected dengue or malaria. Malaria was confirmed and two Plasmodium species were identified. From the epidemiological dates of arrival in Mexico, onset of symptoms and migratory routes, we speculate that ten cases acquired P. vivax during their crossing through Honduras, El Salvador or Guatemala. For the Guinea cases, we conclude that there was African importation of P. falciparum. CONCLUSION: The epidemiological panorama of malaria cases imported into Mexico show the need to join efforts to ensure universal access to health services, with the objective of timely detection of imported cases.

Revealing the burden of chronic kidney disease in Mexican women, 1990-2021.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has become a concerning public health issue, affecting people regardless of their sex, age, or socioeconomic status. We aimed to analyze the burden of female CKD in Mexico between 1990 and 2021, expressed in terms of years lived with disability (YLDs), mortality, years of life lost (YLLs), and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs). Additionally, we evaluated the relationship between DALYs and the Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) and the Healthcare Access and Quality Index (HAQI). METHODS: Secondary data analysis from the Global Burden of Disease, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021. We used mortality, years of life lost due to premature mortality (YLLs), years lived with disability (YLDs), and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs to analyze CKD in women between 1990 and 2021. We used a log-linear segmented regression model to analyze trends in female CKD DALY rates over time. The information was disaggregated by age groups and sub-causes nationally and across the 32 states. Age-standardized rates (ASR) were used. RESULTS: Between 1990 and 2021, the ASR mortality and ASR-DALYs due to CKD increased significantly at the national level. The DALYs are almost entirely explained by YLLs, indicating that a large proportion of women with CKD in Mexico die prematurely. Disparities in the burden of this disease were observed across different states and age groups within the country. In 2021, the highest ASR-DALY rate was recorded in Tabasco (1,972.0), while the lowest was in Sinaloa (865.1). The SDI and HAQI were associated with the CKD DALYs in most states. CONCLUSIONS: Mexican women experience a significant burden due to CKD, reflected in premature deaths and years lived with disability, while disparities between states need to be addressed to reduce inequities. Over the past 32 years, improvements in socioeconomic indicators and the quality and access to healthcare have not contributed to reducing the DALYs rate due to CKD, indicating a need to redirect policies to impact women's well-being and health positively.

Improvement of quality of life on breast cancer-related lymphedema patients through a postmastectomy care program in Mexico: a prospective study.

PURPOSE: To assess whether health-related quality of life (HRQOL) improved through a postmastectomy care program focused on breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) protection/awareness. METHODS: Postoperative breast cancer patients were enrolled prospectively (February-2018 to September-2019) at Nursing and Obstetrics Faculty, Durango, Mexico. Sociodemographic/clinical characteristics, arm measurements, and HRQOL evaluation with Functional Assessment Cancer Therapy-Breast Cancer were collected at baseline and after six follow-up assessments between six-to-twelve-month postmastectomy. Lymphedema was verified through circometry. Descriptive analysis and McNemar-Bowker test were used to evaluate paired differences in HRQOL. Subgroup analysis was conducted to assess sociodemographic/clinical characteristics of BCRL using Pearson's chi-squared or Fisher exact test along with odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). All tests were two-sided with P-values < 0.05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS: One-hundred-two patients developed BCRL (incidence 66.2%, n = 154). All dimensions of HRQOL improved after the postmastectomy care program (P < 0.05). The subgroup analysis indicated that elementary academic degree (OR = 2.40, 95%CI: 1.01-5.69), laborer (OR = 9.85, 95%CI: 3.30-29.3), and total mastectomy (OR = 4.23, 95%CI: 1.20-14.9) were more associated with BCRL (P < 0.05). Conversely, high school academic degree (OR = 0.46, 95%CI: 0.22-0.94), married status (OR = 0.42, 95%CI: 0.21-0.86), housewife (OR = 0.27, 95%CI: 0.12-0.61), professional occupation (OR = 0.10, 95%CI: 0.01-0.64), and having no comorbidities (OR = 0.31, 95%CI: 0.15-0.63) were less associated with BCRL (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Although HRQOL improved through the postmastectomy care program, our findings suggest that lower education, working as a laborer, and total mastectomy may be more associated with BCRL. Continuing research may uncover liabilities among BCRL patients within limited-resources settings.

Waiting for a Liver Transplant in New Mexico; Understanding the State's Multi-layered Adversity.

Contrary to the assumption of consistent medical care for patients with specific illnesses in the United States, research reveals vast inconsistencies and inequalities in healthcare delivery, affecting various aspects such as mental illness diagnosis and management, life expectancy differences, overall mortality rates, and healthcare accessibility due to racial, ethnic, and cultural disparities. Liver transplantation, particularly studied in the context of the state of New Mexico (NM), highlights the multilayered inherent disadvantages faced by its citizens. Despite these challenges, the new liver transplantation allocation system implemented by the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) in 2020, which focuses on geographic concentric circles rather than donor service areas (DSA), cautiously raises hope for reducing these inequities. The future of decades' worth of adversity remains uncertain, but we are optimistic that New Mexicans' systemic difficulty in getting a new liver would eventually be eased.

The departure of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) in response to the declining jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) population in the central portion of the Gulf of California.

As sperm whales are important predators that control energy flux in the oceans, changes in their population can be used as a sentinel to measure of ecosystem health. The present study conducted a sperm whale survey of the eastern Midriff Islands Region in the Gulf of California over the course of nine years, recording sightings and collecting photographs of the fluke of sperm whale individuals. A photo-identification catalog was compiled, while individual recapture data were used to estimate the population size in the central portion of the Gulf of California, using a Jolly-Seber POPAN open population model. The results obtained show a yearly population of between 20 and 167 sperm whales, with a super population of 354 sperm whales observed between 2009 and 2015. However, from 2016 to 2018, no sightings of the species were recorded, which coincides with the decline observed in landings of their main prey, the jumbo squid, in the region. General additive model conducted on sperm whale sightings per unit of effort vs jumbo squid landings obtained an adjusted R2 of 0.644 and a deviance explained of 60.3%, indicating a good non-linear relationship between sightings of this odontocete and its prey availability. This evidence suggests that sperm whales departed the region between 2016 and 2018, due to a documented fishery collapse alongside changes of their main prey into its small phenotype, possibly as the result of increase warming conditions in surface and subsurface waters in the Gulf of California in the last three decades.

Fungal coinfection/superinfection in COVID-19 patients in a tertiary hospital in Mexico / Coinfección o sobreinfección fúngica en pacientes con COVID-19 en un hospital de tercer nivel en México

ABSTRACT Introduction. Data on the prevalence of fungal coinfections/superinfections in patients with COVID-19 are limited. Objective. To describe the prevalence of fungal coinfections/superinfections in patients with COVID-19, as well as risk factors and demographic, clinical, and microbiological characteristics. Material and methods. We included patients with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis and a confirmed fungal infection hospitalized in the ICU from March 2020 to December 2021. We collected data on age, sex, comorbidities, hospital length of stay (days), laboratory (ferritin) and microbiological results, treatment for COVID-19, antifungal therapy, and outcomes obtained from the clinical records. Results. Only 11 out of 740 patients met the inclusion criteria. The coinfection rate was 0.3% and the superinfection was 1.2%. The most affected population was male adults. The coinfections/superinfections diagnosed were candiduria and candidemia, caused by Candida albicans, C. tropicalis, C. glabrata, C. lusitaniae, and Kluyveromyces marxianus (C. kefyr). In addition, tracheobronchitis due to Aspergillus fumigatus was found. The most used antifungals were fluconazole and caspofungin. The lethality in patients with fungal coinfections was 50% and superinfections, 22%. The length of hospital stay was 11-65 days. Eight patients required mechanical ventilation and six received corticosteroids. The main comorbidity was diabetes mellitus (81.8%). Conclusions. The rate of fungal coinfections/superinfections in COVID-19 patients was low, but the lethality found urges for routine fungal screening in patients with severe COVID-19 to timely detect fungal infections that may further compromise the patient's life.

RESUMEN Introducción. Los datos sobre la prevalencia de coinfecciones o sobreinfecciones fúngicas en pacientes con COVID-19 son limitados. Objetivo. Describir la prevalencia de coinfecciones o sobreinfecciones fúngicas en pacientes con COVID-19, así como los factores de riesgo y las características demográficas, clínicas y microbiológicas. Material y métodos. Se incluyeron pacientes con diagnóstico confirmado de COVID-19, hospitalizados en la unidad de cuidados intensivos y con infección fúngica confirmada entre marzo del 2020 y diciembre del 2021. Del expediente clínico se obtuvieron datos sobre edad, sexo, comorbilidades, días de estancia hospitalaria, resultados de laboratorio (ferritina) y microbiológicos, tratamiento contra COVID-19, terapia antifúngica y desenlace. Resultados. Once de 740 pacientes cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. La tasa de coinfección fue del 0,3 % y la de sobreinfección fue del 1,2 %. La población más afectada fue la de hombres adultos. Las coinfecciones o sobreinfecciones diagnosticadas fueron candiduria y candidemia, causadas por Candida albicans, C. tropicalis, C. glabrata, C. lusitaniae y Kluyveromyces marxianus (C. kefyr). Además, se encontró una traqueobronquitis por Aspergillus fumigatus. Los antifúngicos más administrados fueron fluconazol y caspofungina. La letalidad en pacientes con coinfecciones fue del 50 % y con sobreinfecciones fúngicas, del 22 %. El tiempo de estancia intrahospitalaria fue de 11 a 65 días. Ocho de los pacientes requirieron asistencia respiratoria mecánica y seis recibieron corticoides. La principal comorbilidad fue diabetes mellitus (81,8 %). Conclusiones. La tasa de coinfecciones o sobreinfecciones por hongos en pacientes con COVID-19 fue baja, pero la letalidad de estas requiere, con urgencia, la realización de pruebas de rutina para detectar hongos en pacientes con COVID-19 grave para diagnosticar oportunamente infecciones fúngicas que puedan comprometer aún más la vida del paciente.

The gender gap in outpatient care for non-communicable diseases in Mexico between 2006 and 2022.

BACKGROUND: Equitable health service utilization is key to health systems' optimal performance and universal health coverage. The evidence shows that men and women use health services differently. However, current analyses have failed to explore these differences in depth and investigate how such gender disparities vary by service type. This study examined the gender gap in the use of outpatient health services by Mexican adults with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) from 2006 to 2022. METHODS: A cross-sectional population-based analysis of data drawn from National Health and Nutrition Surveys of 2006, 2011-12, 2020, 2021, and 2022 was performed. Information was gathered from 300,878 Mexican adults aged 20 years and older who either had some form of public health insurance or were uninsured. We assessed the use of outpatient health services provided by qualified personnel for adults who reported having experienced an NCD and seeking outpatient care in the 2 weeks before the survey. Outpatient service utilization was disaggregated into four categories: non-use, use of public health services from providers not corresponding to the user's health insurance, use of public health services from providers not corresponding to the user's health insurance, and use of private services. This study reported the mean percentages (with 95% confidence intervals [95% CIs]) for each sociodemographic covariate associated with service utilization, disaggregated by gender. The percentages were reported for each survey year, the entire study period, the types of service use, and the reasons for non-use, according to the type of health problem. The gender gap in health service utilization was calculated using predictive margins by gender, type of disease, and survey year, and adjusted through a multinomial logistic regression model. RESULTS: Overall, we found that women were less likely to fall within the "non-use" category than men during the entire study period (21.8% vs. 27.8%, P < 0.001). However, when taking into account the estimated gender gap measured by incremental probability and comparing health needs caused by NCDs against other conditions, compared with women, men had a 7.4% lower incremental likelihood of falling within the non-use category (P < 0.001), were 10.8% more likely to use services from providers corresponding to their health insurance (P < 0.001), and showed a 12% lower incremental probability of using private services (P < 0.001). Except for the gap in private service utilization, which tended to shrink, the others remained stable throughout the period analyzed. CONCLUSION: Over 16 years of outpatient service utilization by Mexican adults requiring care for NCDs has been characterized by the existence of gender inequalities. Women are more likely either not to receive care or resort to using private outpatient services, often resulting in catastrophic out-of-pocket expenses for them and their families. Such inequalities are exacerbated by the segmented structure of the Mexican health system, which provides health insurance conditional on formal employment participation. These findings should be considered as a key factor in reorienting NCD health policies and programs from a gender perspective.

Exploring barriers and facilitators to feeding children with minimal or no "Junk Food": Insights from Mexican women.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the factors that promote or hinder the feeding of children with minimal or no ultra-processed products to inform the design of an mHealth strategy in Mexico and prevent child malnutrition among the economically vulnerable. METHODS: An exploratory qualitative study was conducted, involving 24 in-depth face-to-face interviews with caregivers of children aged 24-59 months from both urban and rural communities. To analyze the data, we used thematic analysis and incorporated a few elements of grounded theory. RESULTS: More barriers than facilitators were identified. Key barriers included: misconceptions and the widespread availability of junk food through an extensive network of grocery stores; neighbors and family gifting junk food; the association of soda with celebrations; the practice of indulging children with junk food; and the normalization of junk food consumption by both adults and children. Facilitators included: caregivers' awareness of the health risks associated with junk food; economic constraints limiting junk food purchases; support from husbands in regulating children's junk food consumption; the presence of a family member with diabetes; specific cultural beliefs about children's digestive health; as well as displacement of "healthy" foods that nourish children. CONCLUSION: Based on our findings, we formulated recommendations for interventions at intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational, community, and public policy levels to support healthier feeding practices for children.

A landscape of liver cirrhosis and transplantation in Mexico: Changing leading causes and transplant as response.

Liver cirrhosis causes include alcoholism, viral infections (hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV)), alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), and metabolic dysfunction associated with steatotic liver disease (MASLD), among others. Cirrhosis frequency has increased in recent years, with a prevalence of 1395 cases per 100,000 and a mortality rate of 18 per 100,000, which corresponded to 1,472,000 deaths during 2017. In Mexico, liver disease is a public health problem since it was associated to 41,890 deaths in 2022, including liver cirrhosis (>25,000) and ALD (14,927). This represents 114 daily deaths due to these causes, and corresponds to the 4th or 5th place of all causes. The global prevalence of MASLD is estimated to affect 25% of the world's population, while in the pediatric population it could be higher. In Mexican population it is more prevalent since estimations were around 41.3% in 2023. Alcohol consumption, a global health issue due to its high prevalence and associated morbidities, is associated to ALD in 32.9%, with a mortality rate of 23.9%, primarily due to liver-related causes. In Mexico, ALD is present in 23% of all cirrhosis cases, already surpassed by hepatitis B cases in 2009. HCV and HBV frequencies changed due to programs implementing screening detection, vaccines and direct-acting antivirals during the last years. A switch of causes has occurred, increasing MASLD and diminishing viral causes. Efficient performed liver transplantation has grown as a response to increasing cirrhosis cases, including recent authorized centers. These efforts are necessary, whereas preventive strategies should be implemented according to leading causes.

Phenome-Wide Association Study of Latent Autoimmune Diabetes from a Southern Mexican Population Implicates rs7305229 with Plasmatic Anti-Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase Autoantibody (GADA) Levels.

Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) is characterized by the presence of glutamate decarboxylase autoantibodies (GADA). LADA has intermediate features between type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. In addition, genetic risk factors for both types of diabetes are present in LADA. Nonetheless, evidence about the genetics of LADA in non-European populations is scarce. This study aims to perform a genome-wide association study with a phenome-wide association study of LADA in a southeastern Mexican population. We included 59 patients diagnosed with LADA from a previous study and 3121 individuals without diabetes from the MxGDAR/ENCODAT database. We utilized the GENESIS package in R to perform the genome-wide association study (GWAS) of LADA and PLINK for the phenome-wide association study (PheWAS) of LADA features. Nine polymorphisms reach the nominal association level (1 × 10-5) in the GWAS. The PheWAS showed that rs7305229 is genome-wide and associated with serum GADA levels in our sample (p = 1.84 × 10-8). rs7305229 is located downstream of the FAIM2 gene; previous reports associate FAIM2 variants with childhood obesity, body mass index, body adiposity measures, lymphocyte CD8+ activity, and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies. Our findings reveal that rs7305229 affects the GADA levels in patients with LADA from southeastern Mexico. More studies are needed to determine if this risk genotype exists in other populations with LADA.

Loss of cognitive function in Mexican children due to lead exposure and the associated economic costs.

BACKGROUND: Lead exposure reduces the cognitive development and future economic prospects of children. While previous studies in high-income settings have explored productivity losses associated with lead exposure, limited research has focused on low and middle-income countries like Mexico. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the economic implications of lead exposure on Mexican children using, for the first time, nationally representative Blood Lead Levels (BLLs) measurements in children aged 1-4, specifically focusing on the costs of forgone lifetime income due to cognitive losses. METHODS: BLLs of children aged 1-4 were extracted from the 2018-2019 National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT). Estimations of cognitive losses were derived from a log-linear relationship between BLLs and IQ loss. Lost lifetime economic productivity per child was calculated, assuming a 2% reduction in lifetime potential productivity for each IQ point lost due to lead exposure, based on previous literature (Attina and Trasande, 2013; Larsen and Sánchez-Triana, 2023). Productivity data were obtained from representative sources for Mexico. RESULTS: The estimated economic loss amounted to US $33.02 billion, equivalent to 2.76% of Mexico's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2019 (calculated for a 1-year cohort). On a national scale, the long-term loss of cognition for children 1-4 years old is 4.14 IQ points per child due to lead exposure, with significant variability across States (range: 3.26 to 5.26). Lead-poisoned children (≥5 µg/dL) suffered an average loss of 6.42 IQ points (range: 0 to 6.97). In terms of economic impact, some States like Chiapas experienced losses of 7.08% of its GDP, while others had losses as low as 0.67%. Intriguingly, states with lower Human Development Index (HDIs) exhibited relatively higher economic losses despite lower average blood lead levels. DISCUSSION: The heterogeneous impact of lead exposure across Mexican states underscores the necessity for tailored regional policies. These findings emphasize the urgency for targeted interventions and informed policy measures to mitigate the socioeconomic consequences of lead exposure on Mexican children.

Spatial distribution of PAHs, nickel, and vanadium in sediments from a large coastal lagoon near a petroleum extraction area in the southern Gulf of Mexico.

One of the world's crucial areas for crude oil exploration and extraction is the southern Gulf of Mexico, where Terminos Lagoon (TL) is located. Sediments from the TL region were used to assess the spatial patterns, origins, and ecotoxicological risks associated with 16 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs; 3.1-248.9 ng⸳g-1 dry weight basis, dw) and trace metals (Ni = 11.0-104.0 mg⸳kg-1; V = 2.0-35.0 mg⸳kg-1 dw) linked to anthropogenic activities. Although origin indices based on PAHs and metals concentrations indicate no crude oil pollution in the region, sources of pyrogenic PAHs were identified. A chemometric approach demonstrated associations between organic matter and PAHs, and that metal accumulation depends mostly by the input of lithogenic materials. Ecotoxicological risk estimations showed a higher risk of possible adverse effects in sites near swamps and mangrove zones, highlighting the need of future monitoring. This study provides a reference for policymakers to conserve Mexico's largest coastal lagoon and other oil-impacted coastal areas worldwide.

Control of inorganic and organic phosphorus molecules on microbial activity, and the stoichiometry of nutrient cycling in soils in an arid, agricultural ecosystem.

Background: The dynamics of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) in soils determine their fertility and crop growth in agroecosystems. These dynamics depend on microbial metabolism, which in turn depends on nutrient availability. Farmers typically apply either mineral or organic fertilizers to increase the availability of nutrients in soils. Phosphorus, which usually limits plant growth, is one of the most applied nutrients. Our knowledge is limited regarding how different forms of P impact the ability of microbes in soils to produce the enzymes required to release nutrients, such as C, N and P from different substrates. Methods: In this study, we used the arable layer of a calcareous soil obtained from an alfalfa cropland in Cuatro Cienegas, México, to perform an incubation experiment, where five different phosphate molecules were added as treatments substrates: three organic molecules (RNA, adenine monophosphate (AMP) and phytate) and two inorganic molecules (calcium phosphate and ammonium phosphate). Controls did not receive added phosphorus. We measured nutrient dynamics and soil microbial activity after 19 days of incubation. Results: Different P molecules affected potential microbial C mineralization (CO2-C) and enzyme activities, specifically in the organic treatments. P remained immobilized in the microbial biomass (Pmic) regardless of the source of P, suggesting that soil microorganisms were limited by phosphorus. Higher mineralization rates in soil amended with organic P compounds depleted dissolved organic carbon and increased nitrification. The C:N:P stoichiometry of the microbial biomass implied a change in the microbial community which affected the carbon use efficiency (CUE), threshold elemental ratio (TER), and homeostasis. Conclusion: Different organic and inorganic sources of P affect soil microbial community structure and metabolism. This modifies the dynamics of soil C, N and P. These results highlight the importance of considering the composition of organic matter and phosphate compounds used in agriculture since their impact on the microbial activity of the soil can also affect plant productivity.

Impact of comorbidities on COVID-19 mortality in hospitalized women: Insights from the metropolitan area of the Valley of Mexico from 2020 to 2022.

Objectives: This research summarizes the impact of the major comorbidities impacting hospitalized women with COVID-19 and their relation to death. Methods: Public data from national databases (2020-2022) for hospitalized women, including identification data, hospitalization time, comorbidities, and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, were analyzed. Women were stratified by age (split at 50 years). Binary regression models determined the correlation between comorbidities and COVID-19 with mortality, expressed as odds ratios. Results: A total of 46,492 women were hospitalized, with 70.1% aged above 50 years. A total of 17,728 fatalities occurred, with 86.5% in the older age group. A total of 5.82% women required intensive care. The common comorbidities were pneumonia, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and intubation. A total of 56.6% died within the 1st week; in the ICU, 65.7% died by week 2. In the logistic regression, diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) were initially significant, followed by pneumonia and CKD (days 8-14), intubation and, ICU stay (beyond the 15th day). In the ICU, intubation impact worsened over time. Conclusions: Our study highlights the significant impact of comorbidities on COVID-19 mortality in women in the Valley of Mexico. Pneumonia, diabetes, CKD, and intubation were notably prevalent and correlated strongly with death in older women. Timely intubation improves survival, whereas delayed intubation increases mortality risk, particularly, in the ICU. Urgent targeted interventions are required, especially for older hospitalized women.

Prevalence and Correlates of Intimate Partner Violence Among Women and Men in Mexico: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

This article presents the first systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence and correlates of different forms of intimate partner violence (IPV) among women and men in Mexico. To identify studies, a comprehensive search strategy was developed and executed across 11 databases (Academic Search Complete, APA PsycInfo, CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL, Embase, International Bibliography of the Social Sciences, LILACS, MEDLINE, SciELO, Sociological Abstracts, Web of Science). From the 1,746 studies screened, 155 full-text articles were reviewed, and this systematic review included 27 studies involving 249,557 participants to determine the prevalence of physical, psychological, sexual, threats, and other forms of IPV, according to gender and other sociodemographic characteristics. Overall IPV prevalence was 16.4%, with significant differences across pregnant and non-pregnant women. Physical IPV prevalence was 14.7%, revealing higher rates in men (29.5%) compared to women (14.2%). Psychological IPV prevalence was 27.3% and sexual IPV was at 6.6%, with differences across evaluation periods. Threats and other IPV forms showed a prevalence rate of 14.2% and 21.5%. Meta-regression analyses included gender, education, marital status, rural residency, pregnancy, age, and evaluation period. This study demonstrates that IPV is a critical public health concern in Mexico, impacting both women and men. It shows the vulnerability of rural residents, youth, and pregnant women. However, understanding IPV complexities in Mexico requires nuanced considerations of demographic and situational contexts. Urgent initiatives from municipal, state, and federal governments are needed to combat IPV, focusing on prevention and support for affected individuals.

The Fabaceae in Northeastern Mexico (Subfamilies Caesalpinioideae (Excluding Tribe Mimoseae), Cercidoideae, and Detarioideae).

As part of the Fabaceae project of northeastern Mexico and based on field work, collection of botanical samples over the past 37 years, and reviewing botanical materials in national and international herbaria, the diversity of legumes of the subfamilies Caesalpinioideae (excluding tribe Mimoseae), Cercidoideae, and Detarioideae in northeastern Mexico has been recorded. New nomenclatural changes in tribes and genera of the subfamily Caesalpinioideae found in the new scientific bibliography are included. The subfamily Caesalpinioideae (excluding the tribe Mimoseae) includes five tribes: tribe Caesalpinieae, with eight genera (Caesalpinia, Coulteria, Denisophytum, Erythrostemon, Guilandina, Hoffmannseggia, Haematoxylum, and Pomaria) and 21 species; tribe Cassieae with three genera (Cassia, Chamaecrita, and Senna) and 28 species; tribe Ceratonieae with one genus (Ceratonia) and 1 species; tribe Gleditsieae with one genus (Gleditsia) and 1 species. The subfamily Cercidoideae includes two genera (Bauhinia and Cercis) and eight species, and the subfamily Detarioideae includes only one genus and one species (Tamarindus indicus). The total flora of these three subfamilies comprises 18 genera and 63 species, including 56 native species and 7 exotic ones: Bauhinia variegata, Cassia fistula, Ceratonia siliqua, Delonix regia, Erythrostemon gilliesii, Senna alata, and Tamarindus indicus. Endemism includes a total of 22 species and nine infraspecific categories.