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This paper introduces a methodological framework for assessing the sustainability of solid biofuels in Mexico. The designed framework comprises 13 normalized indicators and two diagnostic studies, covering the economic, social, environmental, and institutional sustainability dimensions, and their intersections. Indicators are normalized using the concept of load capacity of a system, similarly to the planetary boundaries. Thus, the graphical representation of results facilitates their multidimensional analysis. The framework was applied to three case studies: traditional fuelwood in rural households, charcoal for restaurant grilling, and electricity cogeneration from sugarcane bagasse. This was part of an iterative process of testing and refining the framework and simultaneously demonstrating its application in the Mexican bioenergy context. This led to the conclusion that the resulting framework (a) provides a useful, quantitative, and comprehensive overview of both broad and specific sustainability aspects of the assessed system; (b) requires a balance of accessible but also scattered or sensitive data, similarly to most existing frameworks; (c) is highly flexible and applicable to both modern and traditional solid biofuels; and (d) is simple to communicate and interpret for a wide audience. Key directions for improvement of the framework are also discussed. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12155-021-10365-2.

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Ovarian cancer is the third most frequent gynaecological malignancy worldwide and in Mexico, with a high mortality rate, due to that in many cases its diagnosis is made in advanced stages. Prognosis is important for determining the subtype and the degree of evolution. During lasts years, the management of ovarian cancer has undergone an important evolution with the incorporation of new therapeutic options, which in turn represent an increase in the survival of these patients. We present recommendations for the management of ovarian cancer developed by an expert panel Mexican based on available evidence so far and the characteristics of health care in the country.

El cáncer de ovario es la tercera neoplasia maligna ginecológica más frecuente globalmente y también en México, con una elevada tasa de mortalidad debido a que en muchos casos su diagnóstico se realiza en etapas avanzadas. Para establecer su pronóstico es importante la determinación del subtipo y del grado de evolución. En los últimos años, el manejo del cáncer de ovario ha sufrido una importante evolución con la incorporación de nuevas opciones terapéuticas, que a su vez representan un incremento en la supervivencia de estas pacientes. Se presentan las recomendaciones para el manejo del cáncer de ovario elaboradas por un panel de expertos mexicanos basadas en la evidencia disponible hasta el momento y en las características de la atención sanitaria del país.

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Resumen El cáncer de ovario es la tercera neoplasia maligna ginecológica más frecuente globalmente y también en México, con una elevada tasa de mortalidad debido a que en muchos casos su diagnóstico se realiza en etapas avanzadas. Para establecer su pronóstico es importante la determinación del subtipo y del grado de evolución. En los últimos años, el manejo del cáncer de ovario ha sufrido una importante evolución con la incorporación de nuevas opciones terapéuticas, que a su vez representan un incremento en la supervivencia de estas pacientes. Se presentan las recomendaciones para el manejo del cáncer de ovario elaboradas por un panel de expertos mexicanos basadas en la evidencia disponible hasta el momento y en las características de la atención sanitaria del país.

Abstract Ovarian cancer is the third most frequent gynaecological malignancy worldwide and in Mexico, with a high mortality rate, due to that in many cases its diagnosis is made in advanced stages. Prognosis is important for determining the subtype and the degree of evolution. During lasts years, the management of ovarian cancer has undergone an important evolution with the incorporation of new therapeutic options, which in turn represent an increase in the survival of these patients. We present recommendations for the management of ovarian cancer developed by an expert panel Mexican based on available evidence so far and the characteristics of health care in the country.

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Interactions between the antibiotic peptide nisin and multilamellar vesicles of phosphoglycerol lipids in different phase-states were studied using vibrational spectroscopy. The infrared amide I' band of nisin, both in solution and in the membrane-bound state, was analyzed in the temperature range comprised between 20 and 60 °C in order to study its conformational behavior. Nisin presented mainly unordered and ß-turns conformations. Their relative populations varied according to the environment and as the temperature increased: ß turns were more favored in the membrane-bound state than in solution, but at higher temperatures the disordered conformation was dominant in both states. Spectral changes of specific infrared bands belonging to the hydrocarbon and polar moieties of lipids were also analyzed to evaluate the perturbation of the lipid membrane order. Nisin interactions with the membrane polar region induced a high restriction to water incorporation, promoting a small increase in the temperature of the lipid phase transition. Raman spectra of nisin/phosphoglycerol systems at ambient temperature were also analyzed. They revealed that the peptide incorporation to a membrane in the fluid phase caused drastic structural modifications in the hydrophobic region of the bilayer. Although nisin may be able to disrupt the hydrophobic portion of the bilayer in the gel phase, the most of the peptide molecule remained at the membrane surface interacting with the polar headgroups. This work provides evidence of a differential effect of nisin on anionic membranes, depending on the phase-state of the lipid.

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A better understanding of the structural effects induced by thyroid hormones in model membranes is attained by Raman spectroscopy. The interactions of T3 and T4 with multilamellar vesicles of dipalmytoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) in the gel phase are characterized by analyzing the spectral behavior of the C-H and C-C stretching vibrations of the acyl chains. The spectra evidence an increase in the relative number of gauche conformation, which indicates the hormones are able to penetrate into the hydrophobic region of the bilayer and partially alter the lipid structure. In addition, the density packing of the acyl chains appears increased and the rotational mobility of the terminal methylene groups is slightly reduced in the iodothyronine/DPPC mixtures. These effects are interpreted in terms of the transition to an interdigitated phase due to the hormone incorporation to the membrane. The polar heads of the lipids also interact with the hormone, as evidenced by the PO2(-) symmetric stretching band.

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BACKGROUND: Thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) is a non-inhibitory member of the serpin family of proteins whose main structural element is the reactive center loop (RCL), that, upon cleavage by proteases, is inserted into the protein core adopting a ß-strand conformation (stressed to relaxed transition, S-to-R). After S-to-R transition thyroxine (T4) affinity decreases. However, crystallographic studies in the presence or absence of the hormone in different states are unable to show significant differences in the structure and interactions of the binding site. Experimental results also suggest the existence of several S states (differing in the number of inserted RCL residues), associated with a differential affinity. METHODS: To shed light into the molecular basis that regulates T4 affinity according to the degree of RCL insertion in TBG, we performed extended molecular dynamics simulations combined with several thermodynamic analysis of the T4 binding to TBG in three different S states, and in the R state. RESULTS: Our results show that, despite T4 binding in the protein by similar interactions in all states, a good correlation between the degree of RCL insertion and the binding affinity, driven by a change in TBG conformational entropy, was observed. CONCLUSION: TBG allosteric regulation is entropy driven. The presence of multiple S states may allow more efficient T4 release due to protease activity. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: The presented results are clear examples of how computer simulation methods can reveal the thermodynamic basis of allosteric effects, and provide a general framework for understanding serpin allosteric affinity regulation.

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El hipotiroidismo subclínico puede contribuir al desarrollo de patologías cardiovasculares y se ha demostrado que a partir de niveles de TSH >2,5uUI/mL se desarrolla disfunción endotelial. Objetivos: Determinar el grosor de la íntima media carotídea (GIMC), la presencia de placas en carótidas y el perfil metabólico en mujeres de edad media asintomáticas con TSH =2,5 uUI/mL y compararlas con aquellas con niveles <2,5 uUI/mL. Diseño: Estudio transversal y analítico. Lugar: Hospital Nacional Dos de Mayo e Instituto de Investigaciones Clínicas, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Perú. Participantes: Mujeres sin historia de enfermedad tiroidea, cardiovascular o diabetes. Intervenciones: En 60 mujeres sin historia de enfermedad tiroidea, cardiovascular o diabetes, con edad promedio de 53,8 ± 5,8 años, se determinó la tirotropina (TSH), colesterol total (CT), colesterol de densidad alta (HDL), triglicéridos (Tg), glucosa (G) basal y a los 120 minutos (TTGO), insulina basal (Ins-B); se calculó las fracciones de colesterol de densidad baja (LDL), el nivel de insulinorresistencia (HOMA-IR), la presión arterial, perímetro de cintura abdominal, el índice de masa corporal (IMC) y el GIMC mediante ecoDoppler. Principales medidas de resultados: TSH =2,5 uUI/mL, perfil metabólico y su relación con GIMC. Resultados: El 38,3 por ciento presentó TSH =2,5 y 61,7 por ciento TSH <2,5 uUI/mL. El 56 por ciento de mujeres con TSH =2,5 y 65 por ciento con TSH <2,5 uUI/ml fueron hipertensas, sin diferencia estadística. El perfil lipídico, G basal, Ins-B e índice HOMA-IR fueron semejantes en ambos grupos. Se observó niveles significativamente más altos del IMC, G a los 120 minutos, el GIMC en carótida izquierda y el mayor entre ambas carótidas en las mujeres con TSH =2,5 uUI/mL (p=0,03, p=0,01, p=0,008 y p=0,02, respectivamente). La presencia de placas en la carótida izquierda y en al menos una de las carótidas fue significativamente más frecuente entre aquellas con TSH =2,5 uUI/mL. Conclusiones: Los niveles de TSH =2,5 uUI/mL en mujeres de edad media predispondrían a la alteración del metabolismo de la glucosa y a aterosclerosis subclínica.

Subclinical hypothyroidism may contribute to development of cardiovascular disease and has been shown that TSH >2.5uUI/mL is associated with endothelial dysfunction. Objectives: To determine carotid intima media thickness (CIMT), presence of carotid artery plaque and metabolic profile in asymptomatic middle-aged women with TSH =2.5 uUI/mL, and compare them with those with levels <2.5 uUI/mL. Design: Analytical and cross-sectional study. Setting: Dos de Mayo Hospital and Institute of Clinical Research, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru. Participants: Women with no history of thyroid disease, cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Interventions: Total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), fasting insulin (F-Ins), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and blood pressure were assessed in 60 women with no history of thyroid disease, cardiovascular disease or diabetes with mean age 53,8 ± 5,8 years. HOMA-IR index and LDL cholesterol were also determined. CIMT was measured by Doppler ultrasound. Main outcome measures: TSH = 2.5 uUI/mL and metabolic profile, and association with CIMT. Results: From 60 women 38.3 per cent had TSH =2.5 and 61.7 per cent TSH <2.5 uUI/mL; 56 per cent of women with TSH =2.5 and 65 per cent with TSH <2.5 uUI/mL were hypertensive with no statistical difference. Lipid profile, fasting glucose, F-ins and index HOMA-IR were similar in both groups. Higher levels of BMI, glucose at 120 minutes, left CIMT and maximal CIMT were observed in women with TSH =2.5 uUI/mL (p=0.03, p=0.01, p=0.008 and p=0.02 respectively). The presence of plaques in the left carotid artery and in at least one of the carotid arteries was significantly more frequent in women with TSH =2.5 uUI/mL. Conclusions: TSH levels =2.5 uUI/mL in middle-aged women predispose to altered glucose metabolism and subclinical atherosclerosis.

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Tagosodes orizicolus is one of the main plagues of rice in tropical America causing two types of damages, the direct one, feeding and oviposition effect, and an indirect one, by the transmission of the "Rice hoja blanca virus". During 2006-2007 we carried out research under greenhouse conditions at Fundaci6n Danac, Venezuela, in order to determine the mechanisms of antixenosis, antibiosis and tolerance to T. orizicolus, which could be acting in commercial varieties and advanced lines of the rice genetic breeding programs of INIA and Fundaci6n Danac. The method of free feeding was used for the antixenosis evaluation, whereas the method of forced feeding was used for antibiosis evaluation (effect on survival and oviposition). Additionally, we used the indirect method based on biomass depression to estimate the tolerance. Some of the evaluated traits included: grade of damage, number of insects settling on rice plants, percentage of sogata mortality at the mature state, number of eggs in the leaf midrib and an index of tolerance. The results showed that rice genotypes possess different combinations of resistance mechanisms, as well as different grades of reactions. The susceptible control 'Bluebonnet 50' was consistently susceptible across experiments and the resistant control 'Makalioka' had high antixenosis and high antibiosis based on survival and oviposition. The rest of the genotypes presented lower or higher degrees of antixenosis and antibiosis for survival and oviposition. The genotype 'FD0241-M-17-6-1-1-1-1' was identified with possible tolerance to the direct damage of sogata.

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Tagosodes orizicolus is one of the main plagues of rice in tropical America causing two types of damages, the direct one, feeding and oviposition effect, and an indirect one, by the transmission of the “Rice hoja blanca virus”. During 2006-2007 we carried out research under greenhouse conditions at Fundación Danac, Venezuela, in order to determine the mechanisms of antixenosis, antibiosis and tolerance to T. orizicolus, which could be acting in commercial varieties and advanced lines of the rice genetic breeding programs of INIA and Fundación Danac. The method of free feeding was used for the antixenosis evaluation, whereas the method of forced feeding was used for antibiosis evaluation (effect on survival and oviposition). Additionally, we used the indirect method based on biomass depression to estimate the tolerance. Some of the evaluated traits included: grade of damage, number of insects settling on rice plants, percentage of sogata mortality at the mature state, number of eggs in the leaf midrib and an index of tolerance. The results showed that rice genotypes possess different combinations of resistance mechanisms, as well as different grades of reactions. The susceptible control ‘Bluebonnet 50’ was consistently susceptible across experiments and the resistant control ‘Makalioka’ had high antixenosis and high antibiosis based on survival and oviposition. The rest of the genotypes presented lower or higher degrees of antixenosis and antibiosis for survival and viposition. The genotype ‘FD0241-M-17-6-1-1-1-1’ was identified with possible tolerance to the direct damage of sogata.

Tagosodes orizicolus es una de las principales plagas del cultivo del arroz en América tropical causando dos tipos de daños a la planta, el directo, por efecto de la alimentación y oviposición; el indirecto, por la transmisión del virus de la hoja blanca del arroz. Durante el período 2006-2007 se llevó a cabo una investigación bajo condiciones de umbráculo en la Fundación Danac, Venezuela, con el objeto de determinar los mecanismos de resistencia de antixenosis, antibiosis y tolerancia a T. orizicolus que pudieran estar actuando en líneas avanzadas y cultivares del programa de mejoramiento enético de arroz de las instituciones INIA y Fundación Danac. Para la evaluación de antixenosis se utilizó el método de libre elección, para antibiosis (efecto sobre sobrevivencia y oviposición de los insectos) el de alimentación forzada, adicionalmente se usó un método indirecto para estimar la tolerancia. Dentro de los principales parámetros determinados se encontraban: grado de daño, número de insectos posados sobre plantas de arroz, porcentaje de mortalidad de sogata en estado adulto, número de huevos y se calculó un índice de tolerancia con base en la biomasa. Los resultados mostraron que los genotipos de arroz evaluados poseen diferentes combinaciones en cuanto a los mecanismos de resistencia, así como el grado de su efecto. El testigo ‘Bluebonnet 50’ se mantuvo consistentemente susceptible en las evaluaciones y el testigo resistente ‘Makalioka’ fue el único genotipo que presentó alta antixenosis y alta antibiosis para sobrevivencia y oviposición. El resto de los genotipos presentaron un menor o mayor grado de resistencia de tipo antixenosis y antibiosis para sobrevivencia y oviposición. Se identificó el genotipo ‘FD0241-M-17-6-1-1-1-1’ con posible tolerancia al daño directo de sogata.

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It is calculated that distal deletion of the short arm of chromosome 1 occurs in one out of every 5000 live births and causes approximately 1.2% of cases of mental retardation of unknown origin. This alteration usually cannot be detected in the standard karyotype, requiring molecular cytogenetic techniques for the diagnosis. In addition to the neurological manifestations, it may cause internal organs malformations, such as congenital heart disease, and a characteristic facial phenotype. This report describes the clinical and cytogenetic findings from the first two cases diagnosed in Mexico, confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization test, and compares them to those described in the literature. The probable subdiagnosis of this entity, the importance of improves its recognition and the useful data for the clinical suspicion are also discussed.

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Se calcula que la deleción distal del brazo corto del cromosoma1 ocurre en 1 de cada 5000 recién nacidos vivos y condiciona, aproximadamente, el 1,2 por ciento de los casos de retraso mental sin causa aparente. Esta alteración habitualmente no se puede detectar en el cariotipo convencional, por lo que se requieren técnicas de citogenética molecular para evidenciarla. Además de las manifestaciones neurológicas puede ocasionar malformaciones en órganos internos, como cardiopatía congénita, y un fenotipo facial característico. En este informe se describen los hallazgos clínicos y citogenéticos de los primeros dos casos diagnosticados en México, confirmados mediante la técnica de hibridación in situ con fluorescencia, que se comparan con los descritos en la bibliografía. Además, se discute el probable subdiagnóstico de esta entidad, la importancia de su difusión y los datos clínicos útiles para la sospecha diagnóstica.

It is calculated that distal deletion of the short arm of chromosome 1 occurs in one out of every 5000 live births and causes approximately 1.2% of cases of mental retardation of unknown origin. This alteration usually cannot be detected in the standard karyotype, requiring molecular cytogenetic techniques for the diagnosis. In addition to the neurological manifestations, itmay cause internal organs malformations, such as congenitalheart disease, and a characteristic facial phenotype. This report describes the clinical and cytogenetic findings from the first two cases diagnosed in Mexico, confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization test, and compares them to those described in the literature. The probable subdiagnosis of this entity, theimportance of improves its recognition and the useful data for the clinical suspicion are also discussed.

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The singlet oxygen (1O2) quenching and free radical (DPPH(*), ABTS(* +) and O2(* -)) scavenging ability of three structurally-related flavonoids (7-hydroxyflavanone HF, 2',4'-dihydroxychalcone DHC and 3,7-dihydroxyflavone DHF) present in the Argentinean native shrub Zuccagnia punctata Cav. were studied in solution by combining electrochemical and kinetic measurements, mass spectroscopy, end-point antioxidant assays and computational calculations. The results showed that the antioxidant properties of these flavonoids depend on several factors, such as their electron- and hydrogen atom donor capacity, the ionization degree of the more acidic group, solvatation effects and electrostatic interactions with the oxidant species. The theoretical calculations for both the gas and solution phases at the B3LYP level of theory for the Osanger reaction field model agreed with the experimental findings, thus supporting the characterization of the antioxidant mechanism of the Z. punctata flavonoids.

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Neither the purchase nor the distribution of pharmaceuticals in hospitals and community pharmacies in Mexico is under the care of pharmacists. Some are under control of physicians. This report presents the results of the implementation of somef pharmaceutical services for the Jalisco Pain Relief, and Palliative Care Institute (Palia Institute), under the direction of the Secretary of Health, Government of Jalisco. The services implemented were drug distribution system, Drug Information Service, Pharmacovigilance Program, and home pharmacotherapy follow-up pilot program for patients with advanced illness, with the ultimate using the appropriate medication. The drug distribution system included dispensing of opioid pain medications, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, NSAIDs, anxiolytic drugs, steroid drugs, laxatives, and anti-emetics. The frequently used drugs were morphine sulfate (62%), amitriptyline (6.4%), and dextropropoxyphene (5.8%). The Drug Information Service answered 114 consultations, mainly asked by a physician (71%) concerned with adverse drug reactions and contraindications (21%). The pharmacovigilance program identified 146 suspected adverse drug reactions and classified them reasonably as possible (27%), probable (69%), and certain (4%). These were attributed mainly to pregabalin and tramadol. The home pharmacotherapy follow-up pilot program cared patients with different cancer diagnoses and drug-related problems (DRP), which were identified and classified (according to second Granada Consensus) for pharmaceutical intervention as DRP 1 (5%), DRP 2 (10%), DRP 3 (14%), DRP 4 (19%), DRP 5 (24%), or DRP 6 (28%). This report provides information concerning the accurate use of medication and, above all, an opportunity for Mexican pharmacists to become an part of health teams seeking to resolve drug-related problems.