Measurement of the Positive Muon Anomalous Magnetic Moment to 0.20 ppm.

We present a new measurement of the positive muon magnetic anomaly, a_{µ}≡(g_{µ}-2)/2, from the Fermilab Muon g-2 Experiment using data collected in 2019 and 2020. We have analyzed more than 4 times the number of positrons from muon decay than in our previous result from 2018 data. The systematic error is reduced by more than a factor of 2 due to better running conditions, a more stable beam, and improved knowledge of the magnetic field weighted by the muon distribution, ω[over ˜]_{p}^{'}, and of the anomalous precession frequency corrected for beam dynamics effects, ω_{a}. From the ratio ω_{a}/ω[over ˜]_{p}^{'}, together with precisely determined external parameters, we determine a_{µ}=116 592 057(25)×10^{-11} (0.21 ppm). Combining this result with our previous result from the 2018 data, we obtain a_{µ}(FNAL)=116 592 055(24)×10^{-11} (0.20 ppm). The new experimental world average is a_{µ}(exp)=116 592 059(22)×10^{-11} (0.19 ppm), which represents a factor of 2 improvement in precision.

Laparoscopic cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: Long term oncologic outcomes from the international PSOGI registry.

The laparoscopic approach for cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (L-CRS + HIPEC) in highly selected patients was previously reported from the PSOGI registry with a demonstrable reduction in length of stay and post-operative morbidity. This study aims to update this international PSOGI registry with a larger cohort of patients and a longer follow-up period. METHODS: An international registry was designed through a networking database (REDCAP®). All centers performing L-CRS + HIPEC were invited through PSOGI to submit data on their cases. Variables such as demographics, clinical outcomes, and survival were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 315 L-CRS + HIPEC cases were provided by 14 worldwide centers. A total of 215 patients were included in the L-CRS + HIPEC group. The median peritoneal cancer index (PCI) was 3 (3-5). The median length of stay was 7 days (5-10) and the major morbidity (Clavien-Dindo ≥3) was 6.1% after 30 days. The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) per tumor origin was: 94% for PMP-LG, 85% for PMP-HG, 100% for benign multicyst peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM), 37.4% for colonic origin, and 54%(at 3 years) for ovarian origin. The 5 years overall survival (OS) per tumor origin was: 100% for PMP-LG, PMP-HG and MPM; 61% for colonic origin, and 74% (at 3 years) for ovarian origin. In addition, a total of 85 patients were analyzed in the laparoscopic risk-reducing HIPEC (L-RR + HIPEC). The median length of stay was 5 days (4-6) and the major morbidity was 6% after 30 days. The 5-year DFS per tumor origin was: 96% for perforated low grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm (LAMN II) and 68.1% for colon origin. The 5 years OS per tumor origin was: 98% for LAMN II and 83.5% for colonic origin. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive CRS + HIPEC is a safe procedure for selected patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis in specialized centers. It improves perioperative results while providing satisfactory oncologic outcomes. L-RR + HIPEC represents a promising strategy that could be evaluated in patients with high risk of developing peritoneal carcinomatosis into prospective randomized trials.

Evaluating the performance of WHO and CDC case definitions for influenza-like illness in diagnosing influenza during the 2022-2023 flu season in Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) case definitions for influenza-like illness (ILI) in diagnosing influenza during the 2022-2023 flu season in Mexico. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of national epidemiological surveillance data in Mexico, focusing on respiratory viral pathogens. METHODS: We analyzed data from 6027 non-hospitalized patients between 5 and 65 years old who underwent molecular testing for respiratory viral pathogens. The performance of both case definitions was evaluated in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve. RESULTS: Overall, the diagnostic accuracy of the evaluated ILI definitions in identifying influenza patients was low, particularly among older patients. When compared to the CDC, the WHO definition had a lower sensitivity but a higher specificity, resulting in a higher AUROC (P = 0.031) for the WHO criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the WHO and CDC ILI case definitions have limited accuracy for diagnosing influenza in non-hospitalized patients and highlight the need for more specific diagnostic tools to improve the detection of influenza cases during the flu season.

Comparing the survival of adult inpatients with COVID-19 during the wild-type, Delta, and Omicron emergence.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the survival experience of adult inpatients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 during the first three waves (wild type, Delta, and Omicron) of the pandemic in Mexico. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective and nationwide study was conducted. METHODS: Data from 229,311 participants were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method, and estimates per each pandemic wave were obtained. A multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression model was fitted, and hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed. RESULTS: The overall mortality rate was 49.1 per 1000 person-days. Heterogeneous survival rates were observed during the analyzed emergences (log-rank test, P < 0.001), and the lowest survival functions were computed during the Omicron variant dominance. In multiple analyses and after adjusting by host characteristics and COVID-19 vaccination status, cases occurring during the Delta (vs wild type: HR = 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.05) and Omicron emergence were at increased risk for a fatal in-hospital outcome (HR = 1.17, 95% CI 1.13-1.22). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest variant-related differences in the survival rates of hospitalized patients with laboratory-positive COVID-19. When compared with the wild-type virus, lower rates were observed during the Delta and Omicron emergence.

Decreased risk of COVID-19 pneumonia in children and adolescents during the Delta variant emergence.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate factors associated with the risk of COVID-19 pneumonia in children (aged <10 years) and adolescents (aged 10-19 years) before (March 2020-April 2021) and during (May-July 2021) the Delta (B.1.617.2) variant emergence. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective and nationwide cohort study was conducted in Mexico. METHODS: Data from 26,961 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 were analyzed. Risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to evaluate the association of the evaluated exposures with the risk of COVID-19 pneumonia. RESULTS: The overall incidence rate of pneumonia was 23.0 per 10,000 person-days, and it was lower during the Delta variant emergence (30.3 vs. 9.4 person-days, p < 0.001). In multiple analysis, a decreased risk of pneumonia was observed among those cases occurring in May 2021 or later (vs. March 2020-April 2021, RR = 0.98, 95% CI 0.97-0.99) and among older patients (RRper year = 0.998, 95% CI 0.996-0.998). Other comorbidities (namely, obesity, chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, immunosuppression, or malignant tumors) were associated with an increased risk of severe COVID-19 manifestations. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that during the Delta variant emergence, children and adolescent patients were at reduced risk of COVID-19 pneumonia in Mexico. Further research is needed to identify factors determining the observed scenario.

Interspecific evolutionary relationships of alpha-glucuronidase in the genus Aspergillus.

The increased availability and production of lignocellulosic agroindustrial wastes has originated proposals for their use as raw material to obtain biofuels (ethanol and biodiesel) or derived products. However, for biomass generated from lignocellulosic residues to be successfully degraded, in most cases it requires a physical (thermal), chemical, or enzymatic pretreatment before the application of microbial or enzymatic fermentation technologies (biocatalysis). In the context of enzymatic technologies, fungi have demonstrated to produce enzymes capable of degrading polysaccharides like cellulose, hemicelluloses and pectin. Because of this ability for degrading lignocellulosic material, researchers are making efforts to isolate and identify fungal enzymes that could have a better activity for the degradation of plant cell walls and agroindustrial biomass. We performed an in silico analysis of alpha-glucoronidase in 82 accessions of the genus Aspergillus. The constructed dendrograms of amino acid sequences defined the formation of 6 groups (I, II, III, IV, V, and VI), which demonstrates the high diversity of the enzyme. Despite this ample divergence between enzyme groups, our 3D structure modeling showed both conservation and differences in amino acid residues participating in enzyme-substrate binding, which indicates the possibility that some enzymes are functionally specialized for the specific degradation of a substrate depending on the genetics of each species in the genus and the condition of the habitat where they evolved. The identification of alpha-glucuronidase isoenzymes would allow future use of genetic engineering and biocatalysis technologies aimed at specific production of the enzyme for its use in biotransformation.

Survival in adult pneumonia inpatients fulfilling suspected COVID-19 criteria and baseline negative RT-qPCR.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the survival experience of suspicion COVID-19 hospitalized patients with pneumonia and negative baseline reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) test results. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a nationwide retrospective cohort study in Mexico. METHODS: Adult pneumonia inpatients fulfilling suspected COVID-19 criteria, and hospital entry from March to August 2020, were enrolled. The Kaplan-Meier method was to use to compare survival estimates among patients with negative RT-qPCR nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swabs and those with a baseline positive test. RESULTS: Data from 64,624 individuals fulfilling suspected COVID-19 criteria were analyzed and 1.6% of them had negative RT-qPCR tests. The overall mortality rate was higher among laboratory-positive patients (48.5% vs. 34.2%, P < 0.001) and, at any given threshold, the survival estimates were higher among RT-qPCR-negative pneumonia inpatients. CONCLUSIONS: The pathogenic mechanism of COVID-19 remains poorly understood and suspected cases with pneumonia and negative laboratory results represent a major challenge for healthcare systems. Our findings suggest that RT-qPCR-negative inpatients may have an improved disease prognosis, but the in-hospital mortality was still high among them. However, further research is needed to clarify the clinical and epidemiological implications of our results.

National retrospective cohort study to identify risk factors for in-hospital 30-day lethality in laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza.

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with the risk of death in adolescent and adult inpatients with laboratory-positive (reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction) influenza in Mexico during consecutive influenza seasons (2018-2020). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study used national surveillance system data, enrolling 3.422 individuals. The association between various risk factors and 30-day in-hospital lethality were evaluated through risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: The lethality rate was 18.1%. Flu vaccination history (RR=0.56, 95% CI 0.42-0.78), early antiviral drug administration (≤2 days from symptom onset [reference ≥5 days], RR=0.68, 95% CI 0.58-0.81), and a history of asthma (RR=0.66, 95% CI 0.47-0.95) showed protective effects against influenza-attributable death. Mechanical ventilator support produced the highest increase in death risk (RR=3.31, 95% CI 2.89-3.79). Male sex, older age, AH1N1 subtype, and other chronic diseases were also associated with fatal in-hospital influenza-related outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the major relevance of promoting immunization in high-risk individuals, together with ensuring early and effective antiviral management in suspected influenza cases.

Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo nacional para identificar los factores de riesgo de letalidad por hospitalización durante 30 días en casos de gripe confirmados por laboratorio / National retrospective cohort study to identify risk factors for in-hospital 30-day lethality in laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza

Objetivo Identificar los factores asociados a riesgo de muerte en pacientes adolescentes y adultos hospitalizados con gripe confirmada en laboratorio (reacción en cadena de la polimerasa con transcriptasa inversa) en México durante temporadas consecutivas de gripe (2018-2020). Pacientes y métodos Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo en el que se utilizaron datos del sistema de vigilancia nacional con 3.422 sujetos inscritos. Se evaluó la asociación entre el riesgo a la exposición y el riesgo de letalidad hospitalaria durante 30 días mediante el estudio de los riesgos relativos (RR) y los intervalos de confianza (IC) del 95%. Resultados La tasa de letalidad fue del 18,1%. Los antecedentes de vacunación frente a la gripe (RR = 0,56; IC 95%: 0,42-0,78), la administración de fármacos antivirales (≤ dos días desde la aparición de los síntomas [referencia: ≥ 5 días]; RR = 0,68; IC 95%: 0,58-0,81) y el historial de asma (RR = 0,66; IC 95%: 0,47-0,95) mostraron efectos protectores frente a la muerte atribuible a la gripe. La ventilación mecánica causó el mayor aumento del riesgo de muerte (RR = 3,31; IC 95%: 2,89-3,79). También se asoció a una mayor letalidad hospitalaria por gripe el hecho de ser hombre, tener edad avanzada, el subtipo AH1N1 y otras enfermedades crónicas. Conclusiones Nuestros hallazgos recalcan la gran importancia de fomentar la inmunización de individuos de alto riesgo, a la vez que se asegura un tratamiento antiviral temprano y eficaz en los casos sospechosos de gripe (AU)

Objective To identify factors associated with the risk of death in adolescent and adult inpatients with laboratory-positive (reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction) influenza in Mexico during consecutive influenza seasons (2018-2020). Patients and methods A retrospective cohort study used national surveillance system data, enrolling 3422 individuals. The association between various risk factors and 30-day in-hospital lethality were evaluated through risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results The lethality rate was 18.1%. Flu vaccination history (RR = 0.56, 95% CI 0.42-0.78), early antiviral drug administration (≤ two days from symptom onset [reference ≥ 5 days], RR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.58-0.81), and a history of asthma (RR = 0.66, 95% CI 0.47-0.95) showed protective effects against influenza-attributable death. Mechanical ventilator support produced the highest increase in death risk (RR = 3.31, 95% CI 2.89-3.79). Male sex, older age, AH1N1 subtype, and other chronic diseases were also associated with fatal in-hospital influenza-related outcomes. Conclusions Our findings highlight the major relevance of promoting immunization in high-risk individuals, together with ensuring early and effective antiviral management in suspected influenza cases (AU)

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography results for the treatment of symptomatic choledocholithiasis in pregnant patients: A recent experience at a secondary care hospital in Mexico City. / Resultados de la colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica para el tratamiento de la coledocolitiasis sintomática en pacientes embarazadas: Experiencia reciente de un hospital de segundo nivel de la Ciudad de México.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the treatment of choice for symptomatic choledocholithiasis during pregnancy. In pregnant patients, aside from the risks inherent in the procedure and sedation, there is the added concern of the potentially damaging effects of ionizing radiation on the fetus. AIM: To describe the maternal and fetal results of ERCP performed to resolve symptomatic choledocholithiasis in pregnant patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective, descriptive, observational, and cross-sectional study was conducted. It included pregnant patients with choledocholithiasis that underwent ERCP within the time frame of June 2017 and June 2018. RESULTS: The study included 9 pregnant patients, with a mean gestational age of 24.1 weeks, that underwent ERCP. There were no maternal or fetal complications associated with sedation, mean fluoroscopy time was 26.7seconds, and one patient (11.1%) presented with mild post-ERCP pancreatitis that was resolved through medical management. Pregnancy progression was normal in 100% of the cases, resulting in the birth of neonates with a normal Apgar score, a mean weight of 3,120g, a mean length of 49.94cm, and a mean gestational age of 38.37 weeks. At follow-up at 6 months, the infants had a mean weight of 7.1kg and a mean length of 66.94cm. CONCLUSIONS: The results from our hospital center were similar to those described in the international literature, showing that ERCP in our medical environment is a feasible, safe, and efficacious method for both the mother and fetus. When performed by an experienced endoscopist, it should be considered the treatment of choice for choledocholithiasis in pregnant patients.

Laparoscopic cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for limited peritoneal metastasis. The PSOGI international collaborative registry.

INTRODUCTION: A laparoscopic approach for cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (L-CRS+HIPEC) in highly selected patients has been reported in small cohorts with a demonstrable reduction in length of stay and post-operative morbidity. This study aims to analyse individual patient data from these international centres collected through the Peritoneal Surface Oncology Group International (PSOGI) L-CRS+HIPEC registry. METHODS: An international registry was designed through a networking database (REDCAP®). All centres performing L-CRS+HIPEC were invited through PSOGI to submit data on their cases. Patient's characteristics, postoperative outcomes and survival were analysed. RESULTS: Ten international centres contributed a total of 143 L-CRS+HIPEC patients during the study period. The most frequent indication was low grade pseudomyxoma peritonei in 79/143 (55%). Other indications were benign multicyst mesothelioma in 21/143(14%) and peritoneal metastasis from colon carcinoma in 18/143 (12,5%) and ovarian carcinoma in 13/143 (9%). The median PCI was 3 (2-5). The median length of stay was 6 (5-10) days, with 30-day major morbidity rate of 8.3% and 30-day mortality rate of 0.7%. At a median follow-up of 37 (16-64) months 126/143 patients (88.2%) were free of disease. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of these data demonstrates that L-CRS+HIPEC is a safe and feasible procedure in highly selected patients with limited peritoneal disease when performed at experienced centres. While short to midterm outcomes are encouraging in patients with less invasive histology, longer follow up is required before recommending it for patients with more aggressive cancers with peritoneal dissemination.

National retrospective cohort study to identify risk factors for in-hospital 30-day lethality in laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza. / Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo nacional para identificar los factores de riesgo de letalidad por hospitalización durante 30 días en casos de gripe confirmados por laboratorio.

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with the risk of death in adolescent and adult inpatients with laboratory-positive (reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction) influenza in Mexico during consecutive influenza seasons (2018-2020). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study used national surveillance system data, enrolling 3422 individuals. The association between various risk factors and 30-day in-hospital lethality were evaluated through risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: The lethality rate was 18.1%. Flu vaccination history (RR = 0.56, 95% CI 0.42-0.78), early antiviral drug administration (≤ two days from symptom onset [reference ≥ 5 days], RR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.58-0.81), and a history of asthma (RR = 0.66, 95% CI 0.47-0.95) showed protective effects against influenza-attributable death. Mechanical ventilator support produced the highest increase in death risk (RR = 3.31, 95% CI 2.89-3.79). Male sex, older age, AH1N1 subtype, and other chronic diseases were also associated with fatal in-hospital influenza-related outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the major relevance of promoting immunization in high-risk individuals, together with ensuring early and effective antiviral management in suspected influenza cases.

Rheological effects of high substitution levels of fats by inulin in whole cassava dough: chemical and physical characterization of produced biscuits.

Inulin has been used as a fat substitute in baked goods due to its gelling properties and functionality. However, it usually has been done in low substitution levels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect in rheological parameters in cassava dough caused by high substitution levels of fats by inulin. Physical and chemical characterization of biscuits were done for evaluation of dough's potential usage in bakery products. Substitution of mozzarella cheese by inulin showed that up to 12.5 g inulin per 100 g cassava flour led to a lower storage modulus, suggesting bakery potential for bread like products. Higher substitutions (25 g, 37.5 g, and 50 g per 100 g cassava flour) led to a higher storage modulus and suggest a potential for cookies and similar products. Hardness results obtained support rheological ones, suggesting higher substitution levels are suitable for cookies and similar products. This is inferred by observing an increase in hardness ranging from 5.80 N up to 17.47 N. Cassava dough with fat substituted by inulin in high levels, has potential in the development of different baked goods.

First Measurement of Inclusive Muon Neutrino Charged Current Differential Cross Sections on Argon at E_{ν}∼0.8 GeV with the MicroBooNE Detector.

We report the first measurement of the double-differential and total muon neutrino charged current inclusive cross sections on argon at a mean neutrino energy of 0.8 GeV. Data were collected using the MicroBooNE liquid argon time projection chamber located in the Fermilab Booster neutrino beam and correspond to 1.6×10^{20} protons on target of exposure. The measured differential cross sections are presented as a function of muon momentum, using multiple Coulomb scattering as a momentum measurement technique, and the muon angle with respect to the beam direction. We compare the measured cross sections to multiple neutrino event generators and find better agreement with those containing more complete treatment of quasielastic scattering processes at low Q^{2}. The total flux integrated cross section is measured to be 0.693±0.010(stat)±0.165(syst)×10^{-38} cm^{2}.

Síndrome de despigmentación aguda bilateral de iris y transiluminación aguda bilateral de iris / Bilateral acute iris depigmentation and bilateral acute iris transillumination síndrome

Varón de 32 años que acude con un cuadro agudo bilateral caracterizado por visión borrosa, ojo rojo, fotofobia severa y dolor ocular tras un cuadro seudogripal. El paciente presentaba un cuadro con afectación bilateral caracterizado por pupilas en midriasis media, escasamente reactivas a la luz, transiluminación del iris, despigmentación difusa del estroma iridiano, dispersión de pigmento en la cámara anterior e hipertensión ocular. Tras el examen ocular se descartó un cuadro inflamatorio y un glaucoma pigmentario. El paciente presentaba características tanto de la despigmentación como de la transiluminación bilateral de iris. Ambas entidades podrían formar parte del espectro de la misma enfermedad

The case is presented of a 32 year-old male who arrived with acute bilateral symptoms with blurred vision, red eye, severe photophobia and severe ocular pain after suffering from a flu-like syndrome. The patient presented with a clinical picture of bilateral involvement characterised by pupils in mid-mydriasis, scarcely reactive to light, iris transillumination, diffuse depigmentation of the iridian stroma, pigment dispersion in the anterior chamber, and ocular hypertension. After the eye examination an inflammatory syndrome and pigmentary glaucoma were ruled out. The patient showed depigmentation characteristics as well as bilateral iris transillumination. Both conditions could form part of the spectrum of the same disease

Bilateral acute iris depigmentation and bilateral acute iris transillumination syndrome. / Síndrome de despigmentación aguda bilateral de iris y transiluminación aguda bilateral de iris.

The case is presented of a 32 year-old male who arrived with acute bilateral symptoms with blurred vision, red eye, severe photophobia and severe ocular pain after suffering from a flu-like syndrome. The patient presented with a clinical picture of bilateral involvement characterised by pupils in mid-mydriasis, scarcely reactive to light, iris transillumination, diffuse depigmentation of the iridian stroma, pigment dispersion in the anterior chamber, and ocular hypertension. After the eye examination an inflammatory syndrome and pigmentary glaucoma were ruled out. The patient showed depigmentation characteristics as well as bilateral iris transillumination. Both conditions could form part of the spectrum of the same disease.

Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome: Prevalence and Risk of Cognitive Impairment in a Population Studied in the Mexican Health and Aging Study 2012-2015.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Motoric Cognitive Risk (MCR) syndrome, describe associated risk factors and to determine the risk of progression to cognitive impairment after three years of follow-up, in a sample of Mexican older adults. DESIGN: A prospective panel study of health and aging in Mexico. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Baseline and follow-up information was obtained from the Mexican Health and Aging Study's 2012 and 2015 waves. A total of 726 subjects aged 60 years or older with normal cognition at baseline were classified into 4 groups: 1) with MCR, 2) with memory complaint only, 3) with slow gait speed only and, 4) without MCR. Cox regression analysis controlling for confounder factors was performed to determine the risk of progression to cognitive impairment in the MCR group. MEASURES: Data such as gait speed, functional status and cognitive performance (standardized by age and sex in Mexican population) was collected. RESULTS: MCR prevalence was 14.3%. When compared with non-MCR subjects, the presence of MCR was associated with older age (p<0.01), lower educational status (p=0.05), having two or more comorbidities (p<0.05) and diabetes mellitus diagnosis (p<0.05). At follow-up and after adjusting for confounders, MCR was associated with a 2.4-fold increased risk (95% CI: 1.28-4.26, p=.000) of cognitive impairment. CONCLUSIONS: MCR syndrome increases the risk of cognitive impairment in Mexican older adults. Simple measurements such as gait evaluation in subjects with memory complaints could allow early identification of those at risk of developing cognitive impairment.

Morphometrics of the Southern Green Stink Bug [Nezara viridula (L.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)] Stylet Bundle.

The southern green stink bug, Nezara viridula (L.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is a cosmopolitan pest of high-value cash crops, including cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.; Malvales: Malvaceae). The pest can ingest and transmit disease-causing bacterial and fungal pathogens of cotton. We hypothesized that the size of the food canal may contribute to selective transmission, as observed in previous reports. The objective of this study was to examine food canal size and other morphometric parameters of the southern green stink bug stylet bundle at two locations (labium and head) to improve our understanding of factors that may contribute to pathogen transmission. For the food canal, females possessed significantly larger canals than males, major axes were significantly longer than minor axes, and canal sizes were numerically higher at the labium compared with the head. For salivary canal, mean axes lengths were similar between sexes and the head and labium. For both food and salivary canals, axes lengths were longer and area was larger at the labium compared with the head. These findings indicate the presence of a "funnel effect" with canals becoming narrower proximally. Sex and location significantly affected the size of the intact stylet bundle. Results indicate the food canal size was not a factor affecting previously observed selective passive transmission. Major and minor axes measurements, coupled with morphological observations of canal shapes and observed "funnel effect" in the food and salivary canals, improve our understanding of the hemipteran stylet bundle and its relationship with the insect's internal morphology.