Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología

Geoffroy's spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) can modulate the acidity-alkalinity (pH) and salivary expression of total proteins (TP) and proline-rich proteins (PRPs) depending on the concentration of tannins in their diet, helping to counteract negative post-ingestive effects. Besides tannins, plants produce a wide variety of secondary metabolites like flavonoids and alkaloids that elicit a bitter taste. Geoffroy's spider monkeys feed on various plant species and consume different concentrations of secondary metabolites. However, it is unclear whether there is salivary modulation of pH, TP, and PRPs to secondary metabolites other than tannins, or whether this effect also occurs towards bitter substances not associated with secondary metabolites. Therefore, we assessed if there are changes in salivary pH, TP, and PRPs expression towards bitter substances or if spider monkeys display a specific response to secondary metabolites present in their diet and substances not associated with secondary metabolites. We determined the concentration of tannic acid, caffeine and rutin in fruits and leaves in different maturity stages reported as a part of the diet of Geoffroy's spider monkeys. We presented six adults Geoffroy's spider monkeys with different concentrations of tannic acid, caffeine, and rutin (0.1, 0.3, 0.6 and one mM) and denatonium benzoate (0.001, 0.003, 0.006 and 0.01 mM) dissolved in a 30 mM sucrose solution. We administered each concentration and collected saliva using swabs (SalivaBio). We used test paper strips to measure the pH and determined the TP concentration using the Bradford method at 595 nm. We also determined the percentage of PRPs using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The results showed marked differences in tannic acid, caffeine and rutin concentration depending on the plant part and species. We found an increase in salivary pH in response to consumption of secondary metabolites, no variations in TP concentration, variations in the percentage of PRPs associated with tannic acid concentrations, and no significant changes when the animals consumed denatonium benzoate. Our results showed that spider monkeys specifically modulate acidity-alkalinity towards secondary metabolites and salivary PRPs expression towards tannic acid in their diet, and that they do not have a generalized salivary response to bitter compounds that are typically considered as toxic substances.

Background and objective Approximately 20% of the global population has a Lp(a) concentrations above 50 mg/dL (> 125nmol/L), yet many remain unaware of the associated cardiovascular risks. In Mexico, routine measurement of Lp(a) is uncommon. This study aimed to investigate the frequency of Lp(a) testing, and the clinical actions taken by physicians upon detecting elevated Lp(a) concentrations in patients at a tertiary medical institution. Methods Using an algorithm-based screening system, we reviewed the clinical and biochemical data of patients with Lp(a) measurements from 2019 to 2024. Data were retrieved from the laboratory information system and electronic health records. Complementary assessment data were obtained from the radiology and cardiology departments. Results Of the 150,083 individuals evaluated at the institution, only 830 (0.5%) underwent Lp(a) testing, with testing rates increasing from 0.037% in 2019 to 0.24% in 2023. Elevated Lp(a) concentrations (> 50 mg/dL) were found in 21% of patients, and 2.2% had concentrations > 180 mg/dL. Patients with elevated Lp(a) had significantly higher rates of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) (p < 0.001) and familial hypercholesterolemia (p < 0.004) than those with lower Lp(a) levels. Interestingly, diabetes prevalence was higher in those with Lp(a) < 4 mg/dL (51.5% vs. 33.4%, p < 0.001). Despite the cardiovascular risk, only 26% of patients with elevated Lp(a) levels received interventions to modify risk factors. Conclusions Lp(a) testing was infrequent in a tertiary medical setting. Clinical interventions to modify cardiovascular risk factors were insufficient among patients with elevated Lp(a). These findings highlight the need for greater awareness among healthcare providers and the development of comprehensive screening and management algorithms to mitigate Lp(a) -related cardiovascular risk.

Resumen Los objetivos fueron caracterizar el ambiente alimentario de las personas jornaleras agrícolas con migración interna en México y construir escenarios en términos prospectivos para formular alternativas que orienten las políticas agroalimentarias desde un enfoque en justicia social. Se emplearon métodos cualitativos, incluidas entrevistas semi-estructuradas a mujeres jornaleras y especialistas en el tema, observación en campos de cultivo de chile en Guanajuato, captura de imágenes, así como talleres de prospectiva alimentaria. Los datos fueron analizados mediante análisis de contenido. Las personas jornaleras agrícolas con migración interna enfrentan desventajas sistemáticas en toda la ruta migratoria, inscripto en un contexto de alta vulnerabilidad y discriminación. Viven en situación de precariedad, tanto en el trabajo como en el acceso a alimentos adecuados, inmersos en un ambiente alimentario malsano, rodeado de desiertos y pantanos alimentarios. Un escenario plausible donde puedan migrar bajo condiciones justas y con garantía de sus derechos laborales y alimentarios. Las personas jornaleras agrícolas con migración interna no tienen cubiertas las seis dimensiones de justicia social para alcanzar el bienestar, reflejado en un ambiente alimentario que promueve injusticias, desigualdad y vulnerabilidad alimentaria. Se refuerza la necesidad urgente de políticas públicas orientadas a mejorar las condiciones laborales, de vida y de alimentación en áreas rurales a través del impulso de las economías locales, y buscar que la migración sea una opción y no una obligación. Implementar estas políticas no solo mejoraría su vida, sino que también promovería un modelo alimentario más justo para el campo mexicano, desde la soberanía alimentaria.

Desert varnish, or rock varnish, is a thin reddish-black microlayer that covers rocks and consists mainly of clay minerals, as well as oxides of iron and manganese. In this paper, both terms-desert and rock varnish-are used interchangeably. Rock varnish has been an object of study and interest for more than two centuries. As it develops mainly in arid and desert areas, the interactions between solar radiation, wind, humidity, and microbial activity are determining factors in its formation. The growth rate of a few microns per millennium suggests that rock varnish can function as a tool for recording past environments. The current work presents the state of knowledge of rock varnish, focusing mainly on inorganic studies. The formation theories, geographical location, magnetic properties, lithodiversity, climatic variability, dating insights, pedofeatures, and some historical aspects are discussed. In addition, the different analytical techniques that have been used to study varnish chemical and mineralogical composition are grouped. FIRST OBSERVATIONS AND HISTORICAL ASPECTS Due to its dark and shiny aspect, desert varnish is a striking superficial feature of arid landscapes and other predominantly extreme environments, such as high mountains, polar regions, etc. Without a doubt, this phenomenon was noticed already by early humans, a clear sign of this is the use of varnished surfaces to create petroglyphs by different prehistoric societies. Petroglyphs are images created by removing part of a rock surface by incising, pecking, carving, and abrading [3]. They are found all over the world and are a valuable source of information about the ancient cultures. Petroglyphs are often found in areas where desert varnish is present. The dark color of the varnish provides a contrasting background that makes the petroglyphs stand out. Thus, desert varnish serves as a canvas for these petroglyphs, allowing for preservation over long periods of time due to its unusual strength, durability, and chemical stability. Desert varnish has captivated the attention of scientists and naturalists for centuries. Already Alexander von Humboldt described dark patina on rock surfaces during his expeditions in the Orinoco River in Vene-zuela between 1799 and 1804. It was near some waterfalls where he first observed and documented a dark-brown rock cover in 1800 [213]. Humboldt was puzzled by the nature of these dark and bright coatings, as they did not show river components within them. This is how he proposed that there should be a chemical explanation for them to have significant amounts of iron and manganese oxides. Finally, he stated that the external conditions of the rock must be conditioning the "accretion" and "cementation" of the material and, therefore, the thicknesses of these coatings, ergo, was a phenomenon independent of the nature of the rocks [213]. On February 29, 1832, Charles Darwin would observe brown ferruginous coatings in Bahia, Brazil, referencing Humboldt's observations. He concludes that the origin of these "metal oxides" is GENESIS AND GEOGRAPHY OF SOILS

Guerrero is one of the least studied states in Mexico for Fungi, despite its great diversity of vascular plants. The aim of this work was to update previously reported genera, provide new records from Guerrero and discuss the biocultural significance and potential use of Boletales from Guerrero, Mexico. Astraeus morganii Phosri, Watling & M.P. Martín is recorded for the first time in Mexico. Sixty‑eight species of Boletales reported from Guerrero with an annotated checklist, which includes photographs; 34 species are newly recorded from Guerrero. The family Boletaceae is the most diverse followed by Suillaceae and Scleroderma taceae. Aureoboletus russellii (Frost) G. Wu & Zhu L. Yang, Aureoboletus readii Ayala‑Vásquez, Pérez‑Moreno, Martínez‑Reyes, Carbajal‑Ramírez, Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca (Wulfen) Maire ex Martin‑Sans, Scleroderma texense Berk., and Tylopilus tabacinus (Peck) Singer are reported as having biocultural importance to Nahuatl, Na Savi, and Me’phaa native cultures. In addition, 45 species of Boletales are reported as potentially edible.

Frangipani (Plumeria spp.: Apocynaceae) is a small ornamental tree native to Mexico, susceptible to significant diseases such as anthracnose and foliar blight in hot, dry environments. Understanding the diversity of pathogens responsible for these diseases is crucial for developing effective disease management strategies. This study aimed to identify the pathogens responsible for these diseases. In February 2020 and 2021, symptoms of anthracnose and foliar blight were observed on frangipani plants in recreational areas of Morelos and Sinaloa, Mexico. Isolations from diseased leaf tissue resulted in the recovery of 12 Colletotrichum isolates from P. rubra and 18 Alternaria isolates from P. obtusa. After morphotype grouping, a representative isolate from each group was identified by morphology and phylogenetic reconstruction (ITS, act, gapdh, rpb2 and tef1) as Colletotrichum karstii, Colletotrichum siamense, Alternaria destruens and Alternaria burnsii. For pathogenicity testing, a conidial suspension was sprayed onto the leaves of 90-day-old plants, while control plants were sprayed with sterile distilled water. All inoculated fungi were pathogenic, reproducing the characteristic symptoms of the disease, while control plants remained symptomless. The fungi recovered from symptomatic plants were morphologically identical to the inoculated fungi, fulfilling Koch's postulates. This is the first report of A. burnsii and A. destruens causing foliar blight in P. obtusa, and C. siamense and C. karstii causing anthracnose in P. rubra. These findings contribute valuable insights for developing effective disease management strategies.

Osteoporosis (OP) is a disease affecting bone metabolism, characterized by low bone mineral density and the deterioration of the bone microarchitecture, leading to increased bone fragility and risk of fracture. OP mainly results from alterations in the balance between osteoclast-mediated bone resorption and osteoblast-mediated bone formation. Currently, there are several molecular mechanisms underlying the development of OP that are not entirely clear. One such mechanism is the role of long non-coding RNAs, which are key regulators of gene expression through various mechanisms. In the last decade, it has been shown that these molecules participate in multiple biological processes and play essential roles in the pathogenesis of different diseases. In this review, we address recent advances on the relationship of long non-coding RNAs with OP, mainly over their regulatory functions during osteoclastogenesis and osteogenesis. Furthermore, we analyze their potential application as clinical or therapeutic resources focused on OP.

The intricate relationship between prokaryotic vitamin B12 (cobalamin) producers and metazoans in deep-sea ecosystems, particularly within ferromanganese crusts and polymetallic nodules, is critical for understanding oceanic biogeochemical cycling of cobalt. Microbial communities are key regulators of essential biogeochemical cycles, with cobalt serving as a vital component in the synthesis of cobalamin, a metallocofactor indispensable for numerous metabolic processes. We analyzed the significance of cobalamin biosynthetic pathways confined to prokaryotes and emphasized the ecological importance of auxotrophic organisms that rely on exogenous sources of vitamin B12. Additionally, we recognize recent research regarding the spatial distribution of dissolved cobalt and its consequential effects on cobalamin production and bioavailability, indicating the scarcity of cobalt and cobalamin in marine environments. We propose that cobalt-rich environments may foster unique interactions between prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms, potentially altering the food web dynamics owing to the localized abundance of this element. By investigating the roles of cobalt and cobalamin in nutrient cycling and interspecies interactions, we outlined key criteria for future research on deep-sea microbial communities and their contributions to the cobalt biogeochemical cycle.

Echinoderms are a conspicuous group on coral reefs. Juvenile and small-sized species often hide in living or inert substrates to protect themselves from predation. This cryptic behavior makes it difficult to count, identify, and capture them during fieldwork, resulting in a poor understanding of their ecology and an underestimation of their abundance. Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures (ARMS) provide a protected environment that mimics natural habitats and is capable of recruiting echinoderm cryptofauna. They also serve as a standard structural measurement unit, allowing comparisons between samples and detection of spatiotemporal patterns of compositional change. To explore these patterns, we deployed and recovered 50 ARMS on two reefs in the Yucatan Peninsula from 2018 to 2020. A total of 976 individuals belonging to 36 species and five morphotypes were collected. The dominant class was Ophiuroidea, which accounted for 92.4% of the abundance. Bajo de Diez Reef (B10) hosted approximately 92% of the total abundance. Both reefs shared only around 37% of their species. Although species abundance and composition changed over time, no species with pioneering or late-settlement tendencies were identified. October 2019 saw the lowest recruitment abundances on both reefs. This decrease may be linked to the effects of the positive phase of ENSO, in synergy with the massive flux of Sargassum spp. during summer and autumn of 2019. Since cryptic echinoderm abundance and composition seem to be influenced more by resource availability and environmental conditions than by community succession, future studies should compare environmental factors and variations in benthic groups that serve as resources for echinoderms to test our conclusions.

In Mexico, pervasive violence, forced disappearances, and homicides have deeply impacted certain groups, particularly journalists, activists, and human rights defenders, who are at high risk of victimization. While these groups receive state support for physical and legal safety, mental health and sleep-focused interventions remain insufficient. Collaborating with a Mexico City-based institution supporting human rights defenders and journalists, we conducted a psychometric assessment of 47 individuals affected by violence. Results showed that 80% exhibited symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, 25.5% showed depression, and 57.4% displayed anxiety; 95.7% reported poor sleep quality based on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. In a second phase, neuropsychological tests and polysomnographic recordings identified cognitive impairments in attention, memory, and decision-making in some participants, along with sleep disorders such as insomnia, primary snoring, obstructive sleep apnea, and bruxism. A third phase introduced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for insomnia, nightmares, and circadian rhythm issues. Results showed improvements in sleep quality, total sleep time, and a reduction in depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. This approach suggests that treating sleep issues in high-risk populations can improve mental health.

We demonstrate the use of a proposed deep learning model to detect six different degrees of adulteration in alcoholic beverages by classifying interferograms captured through a dual aperture common-path interferometer (DACPI). The proposed two-arm convolutional neural network (TA-CNN) classifier is based on the extraction of linear and non-linear local features by principal components analysis (PCA) and t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE), respectively. Then, the features of the reduced vectors are extracted individually with convolutional layers for the classification of three balanced sets of interferograms, with different initial calibration and external perturbation characteristics. In addition, an empirical study of the extracted vectors demonstrates the viability of our interferograms as candidates to be classified by the TA-CNN. The performance of the TA-CNN is compared with modern deep learning models adapted by transfer learning for this specific application. The results show a high average accuracy for all the deep models tested, both for separate and combined sets of 96% and 96.5%, respectively. The proposed TA-CNN is the best performance model, reaching an accuracy of 99.15% for the combined sets. Furthermore, an analysis based on the fast Fourier transform (FFT) corroborates the fact that the relevant information for the classification of interferograms lies in their phase. This approach represents a novel method in optical instrumentation without the use of traditional phase measurement interferometry, the need for highly optimized optical calibration, high-precision optical components, and the obtaining of interferograms datasets with the same DACPI setting up.

Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) is one of the most captured species for industrial processing and their viscera usually are considered a waste that represents a low-cost source of proteolytic enzymes. Thus, the stability of crude alkaline proteases extracted from yellowfin tuna intestinal tissues, to several denaturant compounds was evaluated. The proteolytic activity was retained more than 60% at NaCl concentrations of 5 to 15% (w/v) and when the protease extract was incubated with oxidizing( H2O2) and surfactant (SDS and Tween 80) agents, the residual enzyme activity was maintained similar to control with no agent (P > 0.05). Also, yellowfin tuna crude alkaline proteases, exhibited around 70% of residual enzyme activity when were incubated in solid and liquid detergents, suggesting its compatibility with the ingredients of commercial formulations of laundry detergents. The crude alkaline proteases were stable after incubation in ethanol, methanol and 2-propanol for 1 h and even for 2 days. The obtained results, suggest that yellowfin tuna viscera can be exploited as a sustainable marine resource for the recovery of enzymes with potential industrial application

Sacoglossan sea slugs have attracted considerable scientific attention due to their capacity to retain functional macroalgal chloroplasts inside their cells. This endosymbiotic association is nutritionally relevant for these organisms and represents an interesting research issue for biotechnological applications. The Caribbean species Elysia crispata can integrate chloroplasts from different macroalgal species. The lipidome of chloroplasts includes lipid classes unique to these photosynthetic organelles. Specialized lipids, such as the glycolipids MGDG, DGDG, and SQDG, are essential for maintaining the integrity of both the thylakoid membranes and the overall chloroplast membrane structure. Additionally, lipids are a diverse group of biomolecules playing essential roles at nutritional and physiological levels. A combined approach using LC–HR-MS and MS/MS was employed to determine the polar lipid profile of the photosynthetic sea slug E. crispata from two habitats in the north-western tropical Atlantic (Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano and Mahahual) and two different feeding conditions (fed and after 1 week of starvation). Significant differences were identified in the abundance of structural and signalling phospholipids (PC, PI, PG, PS, CL) suggesting different nutritional states between populations. The composition of glycolipids demonstrated a clear separation by habitat, but not by feeding conditions. The lower abundance of glycolipids in the Mahahual samples suggests a lower density of chloroplasts in their tissues compared to Veracruz individuals. These results corroborate that 1 week of starvation is insufficient to initiate the degradation of plastid membranes. This study confirms the advantages of using lipidomics as a tool to enhance our knowledge of the ecology of marine invertebrates. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42995-025-00281-1.

Background/Objectives: Metastatic prostate cancer remains a major clinical challenge, with limited therapeutic options. Doxycycline, a tetracycline antibiotic with anti-inflammatory properties, has shown potential as an adjunctive therapy. This study aimed to evaluate its efficacy in reducing prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and improving quality of life in patients receiving standard treatment for metastatic prostate cancer. Methods: This phase II, double-blind, randomized controlled trial included 45 participants (aged 57–81 years) assigned to doxycycline (100 mg daily) or a placebo for six months. The primary outcome was the percentage change in PSA levels at 3 and 6 months. Secondary outcomes included quality of life (EQ-5D-5L), cognitive function (Mini-Mental State Examination), and glucose levels. Additionally, a structure–activity relationship (SAR) analysis was performed through an extensive bibliographic review to identify pharmacophores responsible for doxycycline’s biological activity, particularly its tetracyclic core. The SAR analysis included tetracyclines and derivatives, androgen-targeting agents, and other pharmacologically relevant molecules used in prostate cancer therapy. Statistical analysis was conducted using multivariate logistic regression. Results: At six months, the doxycycline group showed a median PSA reduction of 60% compared to 10% in the placebo group (p = 0.043). A ≥50% reduction in PSA levels was observed in 71.4% of patients receiving doxycycline versus 20.8% in the placebo group (p = 0.001), with an adjusted relative risk of 10.309 (95% CI: 2.359–45.055, p = 0.002). Quality of life improved, with 7.1% of doxycycline-treated patients reporting poor quality of life compared to 42.9% in the placebo group (p = 0.028). A slight improvement in cognitive function was also noted (p = 0.037). SAR analysis suggested that the tetracyclic ring of doxycycline may play a crucial role in its observed biological effects. Conclusions: Doxycycline demonstrates potential as an adjunctive therapy in metastatic prostate cancer by reducing PSA levels and improving quality of life. The SAR analysis supports the hypothesis that its tetracyclic structure may be responsible for its therapeutic effects. Further large-scale trials are warranted to confirm these findings.

The application high-intensity ultrasound (HIU) in rabbit meat has shown promising results for improving its palatability and commercial value. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of HIU application in meat from two rabbit breeds (Flemish Giant, FG and Azteca Negro, AN) on its physicochemical parameters (PQs) and sensory profile (SEN). Five carcasses of each breed were frozen and dorsally cut into half carcasses. HIU was applied (20 min, 50 kHz, and 200 W) to one randomly selected half carcass of each rabbit. PQs evaluated were pH, color (L*, a*, and b*), chroma (C*), hue angle (HUE), water holding capacity (WHC), collagen content, and shear force (SF). Color, odor, flavor, and texture were evaluated for the SEN. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA, adjusting a general mixed model with the fixed effects of treatment, breed, and their interaction. Significant interaction differences (p < 0.05) of breed and HIU were observed in the collagen content. Breed had an effect (p < 0.05) on pH, a*, b*, C*, and on the descriptors of the sensory attribute color. HIU had an effect (p < 0.05) on L*, a*, HUE, C*, and SF, as well as on sensory descriptors like texture and color. HIU increases the physicochemical and sensory perception of the tenderness of the meat of both breeds.

Quasi-solid supercapacitors are promising electrochemical devices for energy storage applications due to their high-power density, long life cycle, and environmental benefits. However, their electrochemical performance can change over time as a result of interactions between the electrodes and electrolyte, as well as the fabrication process. In this study, the electrochemical behavior of quasi-solid supercapacitors with activated carbon electrodes immersed in 4 M H2SO4 poly(vinyl alcohol) electrolyte for periods of 10 min and 24 h were investigated. Initial measurements show a lack of energy storing properties in newly fabricated devices, which improve with the aging time, as observed in cyclic voltammetry and charge–discharge cycles. Anticlockwise arcs and resonant peaks were observed in Nyquist and Bode plots, respectively, and were modeled by introducing complex conjugate roots and a damping factor ξ in the transfer function of the electronic equivalent circuit. This unfavorable behavior disappeared after 14 days in devices with shorter immersion times. On the other hand, the effects persisted in devices with longer immersion times even after 28 days. The stability of quasi-solid supercapacitors is thus demonstrated to be linked to complex conjugate roots and resonant behavior in impedance spectroscopy.

The rising prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), particularly among older adults, has driven increased research into its underlying mechanisms and risk factors. Aging, genetic susceptibility, and cardiovascular health are recognized contributors to AD, but how the age of onset affects disease progression remains underexplored. This study investigates the role of early- versus late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (EOAD and LOAD, respectively) in shaping the trajectory of cognitive decline. Leveraging data from the Religious Orders Study and Memory and Aging Project (ROSMAP), two cohorts were established: individuals with early-onset AD and those with late-onset AD. Comprehensive analyses, including differential gene expression profiling, pathway enrichment, and gene co-expression network construction, were conducted to identify distinct molecular signatures associated with each cohort. Network modularity learning algorithms were used to discern the inner structure of co-expression networks and their related functional features. Computed network descriptors provided deeper insights into the influence of age at onset on the biological progression of AD.

Glyphosate (GLY) is the most widely used herbicide in agriculture worldwide, posing a significant contamination risk to rivers, lakes, wetlands, and soils. Its ultimate fate represents a potential threat to the health of both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. This study evaluated the removal efficiency of glyphosate and conventional pollutants in mesocosm-scale horizontal subsurface flow-constructed wetlands planted with Canna indica, Heliconia psittacorum, and Alpinia purpurata in runoff water contaminated with glyphosate. Additionally, the study examined the performances of these species in monoculture and polyculture settings of tropical ornamental plants. Canna indica exhibited the highest growth (up to 160 cm) in both monoculture and polyculture conditions, as well as the highest removal efficiencies for total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and phosphate (PO4³⁻), achieving a 91%, 93%, and 98% removal, respectively. Polyculture systems demonstrated a superior ammonium removal efficiency, reaching 94%. Alpinia purpurata (>5 ppm after 40 days) and Heliconia psittacorum (>5 ppm after 200 days) were the most effective species for glyphosate removal. Glyphosate can be effectively removed from aquatic environments through constructed wetlands planted with ornamental species, offering a sustainable approach to mitigating herbicide contamination in water bodies.