Mexico City Research Articles

Bioweathering in monogenetic volcanoes: the case of Xitle in Mexico City

This contribution describes biological weathering features produced by microbial communities growing on rock surfaces denominated biological rock crusts. We provide arguments related to the importance of recognizing rocks as an ecological niche and a review of main recognized bio-weathering processes in basaltic bedrock. We particularly address the features found in the lava flow of the monogenetic volcano Xitle, which is located in the volcanic field of the Sierra del Chichinautzin in the south of Mexico City. We found that the diversity and distribution of organisms within the rock crusts varies depending on the superficial texture and porosity of the lavas. Mosses have a preference for vesicles and crevices, while lichens can establish in smoother and more exposed areas. The predominant biological weathering features we have found associated with these crusts are incrustation, penetration, vesicle infilling, endolithic colonization, fractures, and particle entrapment. It is worth noting that bioweathering features are related to specific biological groups: lichens exert all of the features found, while mosses are mostly associated with particle entrapment and vesicle infilling, and biofilms are related to penetration and endolithic colonization. Therefore, this article discusses the importance of geoheritage conservation in relation to the biodiversity these lavas harbor.

Percepciones sobre la violencia policial en la Ciudad de México: victimización, control social y percepciones negativas sobre la función policial

The main objective of this research is to analyze the factors associated with the perception of police violence in Mexico City. The proposed analytical model considers negative perceptions of the police function; the risk of victimization, as well as different forms of informal and formal social control among the explanatory factors associated with witnessing police violence in the city. The analytical model was contrasted with data from the 2022 National Survey of Victimization and Perception of Public Safety using a binomial logistic regression analysis. The results indicate that the perception of police violence in Mexico City is associated with the objective risk of victimization, negative perceptions about police performance, as well as neighborhood trust and the implementation of police strategies such as operations and proximity policing.

Local Adaptability in Right-wing Movements: An Appraisal of the UNPF in Chihuahua and Mexico City Today

Este artículo apunta a la necesidad de comprender los movimientos de derecha como entidades complejas y dinámicas, cuyas manifestaciones locales distan de la homogeneidad. Para explorar esta premisa se presenta una aproximación a la Unión Nacional de Padres de Familia (UNPF) y su activismo en dos entornos urbanos –Chihuahua y la Ciudad de México–, bajo la conjetura de que, pese a su carácter nacional, la organización muestra una notable adaptabilidad local. Para explorar dicho supuesto, este texto presenta un análisis comparativo a partir de las demandas centrales; el tipo de acciones emprendidas; las redes de apoyo; la capacidad de interlocución con actores gubernamentales y partidistas, y la capacidad de movilización de la organización en sus representaciones locales. Aquí se estipula que la supervivencia de la UNPF a lo largo del tiempo se explica por la solidez de sus demandas centrales, pero también por la flexibilidad en sus estrategias a partir de las condiciones políticas y sociales locales.

Heat wave: a new characterization in terms of energy

Heat waves (HW) are prolonged periods of excessively hot weather that can cause severe socioeconomic and environmental impacts. This study aims to evaluate the differences in stored heat and turbulent flux partitioning during a heat wave event in Mexico City, using observations from an eddy covariance tower during the period from 14 June to 21 June 2023. During this period, net radiation (Rn) and sensible heat flux (H) increased significantly, particularly from noon to evening, reflecting stable atmospheric conditions. The air temperature showed a noticeable increase in the afternoon and evening, whereas absolute humidity decreased. We found that during the heat wave, the Bowen ratio (β) increased by 80% during daylight hours and 65% over a full 24-hour period compared to the pre-heat wave period. This heat release at night prolonged warm conditions, intensifying heat stress. The partitioning of net radiation for latent heat (LE), sensible heat (H), and heat storage (ΔQs) showed significant changes; during the heat wave, 51% of Rn was allocated to H and 34% to ΔQs, compared to pre-heat wave values of 49% and 27%, respectively. This study introduces a new characterization of heat waves in terms of energy, emphasizing the significant shifts in energy flux partitioning and storage. The new characterization highlights the critical role of urban heat storage and its release in exacerbating heat stress during and after heat wave events. This approach provides a comprehensive understanding of the energy dynamics during heat waves, which is essential for developing effective mitigation strategies to combat the adverse effects of extreme heat in urban environments.

Integrating Circular Supply Chains into Experiential Learning: Enhancing Learning Experiences in Higher Education

This work integrates the circular economy (CE) into experiential learning in higher education, focusing on industrial and systems engineering. It addresses the need for suitable learning experiences and pedagogical strategies to enhance CE and sustainability education in active learning research. Accordingly, this study proposes integrating Kolb’s experiential learning cycle with the ADDIE model into an instructional design framework for reflective and active engagement in learning activities within realistic circular supply chain scenarios. The methodology demonstrates this framework through a case study of an undergraduate module for CE problem-solving, focusing on waste reduction within small and medium enterprises in Mexico City. Based on student surveys and achievement metrics, results show positive student feedback and evaluation results, meeting module targets. This work’s main contribution offers a framework for creating novel experiential learning cases and cultivating sustainability-related and disciplinary learning outcomes. It also recognises valuable links for citizenship commitment, problem-solving, community engagement, and CE education. However, this work acknowledges limitations in complex problem-solving difficulties, a resource-demanding nature, restricted transferability, and the limited evaluation of learning effectiveness. Future research will explore this work’s relevance across Kolb’s learning styles and diverse industries, focusing on student interest and motivation, and evaluating its impact on student outcomes in various educational contexts.

Masculinities, Family Reconfiguration, Hegemony, and Patriarchy in the Context of Post-pandemic in Bogotá and Mexico City

Este artículo tiene como objeto seguir con un trabajo que se ha venido realizando desde hace más de cinco años que da cuenta de una línea de trabajo respecto de las masculinidades en Bogotá D.C., y Ciudad de México. En este, se hace un acercamiento a disertaciones respecto de los cambios de la familia o más bien las nuevas reconfiguraciones que se han tenido a lo largo de las décadas y para este particular, se centra en el escenario de la pandemia y la pospandemia, lo anterior, atravesado por los discursos de hegemonía y patriarcado que siguen siendo relevantes. El objetivo general de la investigación es determinar cuál es la reconfiguración de la familia, las violencias de género, la hegemonía y el patriarcado en el contexto de la pospandemia en Bogotá y Ciudad de México. La metodología utilizada para el desarrollo de esta investigación es documental, por medio de la revisión de fuentes bibliográficas recogidas de diversos medios y posteriormente, clasificada, revisada y comentada para poder hallar la información necesaria para el presente texto. Los resultados obtenidos evidencian cómo en efecto las familias tradicionales se han venido deconstruyendo y el confinamiento lo que hizo fue denotar las fracturas que esta siempre ha tenido y que por muchos años los discursos tradicionales han querido vedar para que los individuos no se problematicen sobre una institución que a todas luces se ha modificado con ocasión de las prácticas sociales, en este caso la pandemia, que logró hacer cambios determinantes y que se siguen evidenciando en la actualidad.

The water requirements to feed a megacity: explorations for Mexico City with a multi-regional input-output database

The water requirements to feed a megacity: explorations for Mexico City with a multi-regional input-output database

The Social Costs of Deregulation in a Fight Against Corruption: A Case Study on Driver’s Licenses in Mexico City

Abstract Various anti-corruption tools have been proposed in the literature. In this article, we focus on deregulation. By removing red tape, the opportunities for bribery are reduced. At the same time, however, social costs can increase due to reemergence of inefficiencies that the regulation was intended to target in the first place. We analyze data from Mexico City, where a driving test was abolished to combat petty corruption prevalent in testing centers. A natural concern is that roads would become more dangerous. We find that this concern appears to be unwarranted; if anything, roads seem to have become safer.

A New and Easy Method to Determine the Energy Stored in Urban Areas: A Case Study of Mexico City

Urban areas present different climates from those of their rural surroundings. Energy balance and especially energy storage play important roles in the resulting climate since more than 50% of the net radiation is absorbed in densely urbanized areas. A simple model of energy storage in the urban fabric is presented, fed with the air temperature of a given area and its thermal properties; it can estimate heat storage (QS) with good results. The proposed QST energy storage model was compared with QS results obtained from two sites in Mexico City, Escandón (objective hysteresis model, QSOHM) and ENP7 (residual, QSRES), and one site in Marseille, France (thermal mass scheme, QSTMS). The comparison between QST and QSOHM showed that r2 = 0.71, while in ENP7 (QN > 0), QSRES and QST were 116.5 Wm−2 and 142 Wm−2, corresponding to 49% and 60% of the QN, respectively. The results obtained using the QSTMS model in Marseille and QST in Escandón showed similar behavior, with RMSEs of 109 and 101 Wm−2, respectively, in a daily period. Although it is difficult to discern which method is better, it is possible to affirm that the presented method is quite accurate, easier to use, and inexpensive.

Clinical characteristics of adult asthma patients hospitalized by COVID-19 in Mexico City: a real-world study

Background The COVID-19 pandemic raised concerns about whether individuals with chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma, were at higher risk of severe outcomes. Although several studies were published on this topic, not all included asthma as a risk factor. Therefore, describing the clinical characteristics of COVID-19-infected asthma patients in a specialized respiratory center is valuable as a real-life study. Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics and disease severity in SARS-CoV-2-infected adults with pre-existing asthma hospitalized at the National Institute of Respiratory Diseases (INER) in Mexico City. Methods We conducted a retrospective, observational study on adults with confirmed COVID-19 hospitalized from March 2020 to June 2021. Out of 2,249 reviewed medical records, we identified asthmatic patients and compared them with a matched non-asthmatic control group to assess asthma’s impact on COVID-19 severity and outcomes. Results Based on the clinical records, asthma prevalence among hospitalized patients was low (1.51%); of these, 73% had allergic and 27% had non-allergic asthma. COVID-19 severity did not vary significantly between asthma phenotypes, although there was higher mortality among patients with non-allergic asthma. Most patients in both groups developed a severe form of the disease and higher mortality rates than non-asthmatics, though the differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion Asthma prevalence among patients with COVID-19 was low, but mortality was higher in asthma patients. Although the small sample size limits the generalizability of these findings, this study in a Mexican population hospitalized in a reference hospital provides insights for improving asthma management in future pandemics.

Unveiling the intermediate role of Mexico’s mid-sized metropolises

ABSTRACT This paper analyses the role of metropolises that occupy a secondary place in urban systems and distinguishes between the intermediation and other strategic roles that they can play. As an empirical approximation to secondary cities, the paper operationalises mid-sized cities according to population size and evaluates the economic performance of metropolitan areas within Mexico’s urban system. Drawing on the theories of borrowed size and agglomeration shadows, the paper discusses whether mid-sized metropolitan areas in Mexico have evolved into intermediate urban centres that can drive development and growth. Additionally, the study identifies the economic performance factors across the group of mid-sized metropolises. Different economic performance indicators are calculated and an econometric model is estimated for the period 2008–2018. We find that, with a few exceptions, mid-sized metropolitan areas in Mexico have not evolved into intermediate metropolises and face challenges that limit their strategic role in their respective urban system. This analysis contributes to the literature on secondary cities by studying and providing empirical insights into the functioning and evolution of urban systems that have traditionally been centralised around a single megacity, such as Mexico City.

Instituto y no hospital. La distintiva organización que Ignacio Chávez concibió para combatir integralmente a las enfermedades del corazón en México. En el octogésimo aniversario del Instituto Nacional de Cardiología.

In 1936, Ignacio Chávez submitted a proposal to the Mexican government for the creation of a cardiology institute. He had studied in Paris, Berlin, and other European cities in 1926. Upon his return to Mexico, he founded the Cardiology Service at the General Hospital in Mexico City, the first of its kind in the country. The National Institute of Cardiology of Mexico was inaugurated on April 18, 1944, becoming one of the first cardiology institutes in the world. Chávez explained the purpose of this new institute: "We were born with the purpose of studying, researching, and controlling heart diseases." According to him, the institute should be a place where cardiovascular diseases could be addressed comprehensively, combining clinical practice with research and teaching to provide effective knowledge for patient care and scientific advancement. "A health center is for the patient, of course; but something more than that is necessary: a great school for doctors, a great laboratory for researchers, and a social instrument of human help," he said. This vision was summarized in the words: love and science at the service of the heart. Chávez successfully institutionalized cardiology in Mexico. From its inception, the institute became an internationally recognized center, attracting students from various countries. Alfredo de Micheli noted that under Chávez's influence and example, new institutions emerged in the national medical field and expanded onto the international stage. The institute founded by Chávez became a model for similar institutions on other continents and a driving force in the international cardiology movement. Chávez's legacy was a work of love, intelligence, and culture, dedicated to the heart and the care of humanity.

Comparison of IL-6, IL-10, and TNFα levels between PLWHIV with and without Kaposi Sarcoma and healthy controls.

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is an angioproliferative disease caused by human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) and is mediated by cytokines in an immunodeficient environment. This study aimed to compare IL-6, IL-10, and TNFα levels among AIDS patients with disseminated KS (DKS), treatment naïve patients living with HIV (PLWHIV) without DKS, and healthy controls. Secondary outcomes were to compare cytokines levels in patients with DKS and unfavorable outcomes, as well as an analysis of the behavior of cytokines over time. This cohort study was performed at two centers in Mexico City. Three groups were included. Group 1: HIV+ treatment naïve with DKS, Group 2: HIV+ treatment naïve without KS, and Group 3: HIV negative, healthy controls. Plasmatic IL-6, IL-10, and TNFα levels were measured at baseline and over time in Groups 1 and 2. Seventy-six patients were included: 39 (52%) in Group 1, 17 (22%) in Group 2, and 20 (26%) in Group 3. The median baseline IL-6, IL-10, and TNFα levels were significantly higher in group 1. In group 1, baseline IL-6 was higher in patients who died than in survivors (14.4 vs 5.8 pg/mL p=0.048). Patients with severe immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome due to KS (S-IRIS-KS) had higher IL-6 values than those without it (14.4 vs 5.8 pg/mL p=0.004). In the repeated-measures model in group 1, IL-10 levels were higher in patients who died (p<0.001) and developed IRIS-KS (p=0.01). IL-6, IL-10, and TNF α levels were markedly higher in patients with DKS. IL-6 and IL-10 levels were higher in patients with unfavorable outcomes.

Stoma-Related Complications: Frequency of Postoperative Morbid Events and Factors Related to Adverse Outcomes

Abstract Introduction Stoma placement is a common surgical procedure that can be performed in the context of urgent and elective surgery for benign and malignant conditions, with an estimated morbidity ranging from 21% to 70%. Methods A retrospective cohort analysis to determine the incidence of stoma placement postoperative-related complications and potential associated factors. This study was conducted at a single tertiary care center in Mexico City including all patients who underwent a stoma construction between January 2016 and October 2023. Results A total of 276 patients underwent stoma construction. Eighty-one (29.3%) patients presented morbidity exclusively related to the ostomy.The multivariate analysis showed the following risk factors: advanced age for developing stoma-related complications; obesity for developing parastomal hernia; strangulated hernia and complicated diverticular disease for developing mucocutaneous dehiscence; bowel obstruction and parastomal hernia for developing stomal prolapse; anastomotic leak and preoperative corticosteroid therapy for developing parastomal abscess; and end-colostomy and advanced age for reoperation. Discussion Ostomy creation carries a high morbidity rate. Preoperative features such as advanced age, obesity, corticosteroid therapy, the indication of the surgery, as well as the type of the stoma created must be considered as they could significantly impact the development of adverse outcomes.

Quality of end-of-life care in patients with hematological malignancies: potential role of palliative care.

Limited data are available on the impact of specialist palliative care on end-of-life care quality for patients with hematologic malignancies. This study aims to analyze the quality of end-of-life care in patients with hematological malignancies, comparing those who receive palliative care with those who do not. Observational, single center retrospective study. This study was conducted at the National Cancer Institute (INCan) in Mexico City, a tertiary care hospital, between January 2016 and June 2021. This study included deceased patients with hematological malignancies who were hospitalized or patients who were hospitalized and receiving home palliative care, with follow-up from the palliative care service. End-of-life care quality was assessed using the ASCO/NQF instrument. Three hundred sixty deceased patients with hematological malignancies were included in the analysis; 51.4% were men, with a median age of 52years. The most common diagnosis was non-Hodgkin lymphoma (41.4%); 37.8% of patients were referred to palliative care, with an average referral time from admission to INCan of 99.5days. Patients without palliative care referral showed worse quality of death indicators (71.6% vs. 28.4%). Survival analysis revealed a median survival of 5.29months for patients with up to 3 worse quality of death indicators and 3.65months for those with ≥ 4 worse quality of death indicators at the end-of-life (p < 0.001). Patients with hematologic malignancies who did not receive palliative care experienced more intensive end-of-life interventions and had lower overall survival rates. Early integration of palliative care is crucial to promote compassionate approaches near death and ensure quality end-of-life care.

Clustering of cognitive domains among older persons with HIV.

Age and HIV are synergistic risk factors for conditions such as HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). Yet, it is unclear whether older persons with HIV (OPWH) display different cognitive profiles for HAND. To describe the cognitive patterns of OPWH treated with combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). Cross-sectional study that included 330 participants with HIV, aged 50 years or older, cared for at a tertiary care hospital in Mexico City. A short neuropsychological test battery was used to assess a wide spectrum of cognitive functions. The optimal number of cognitive clusters was determined by the silhouette method and a minimization of the Bayesian information criterion. Participants' mean age was 58.8 years (standard deviation = 6.6), and 12.1% were women. A 3-cluster solution yielded stable Jaccard coefficients (p > 0.70). Cluster 1 showed more significant impairment in visual and verbal memory domains, whereas participants in cluster 3 showed significant impairment in language, and abstraction. Cluster 2 showed no predominance of any domain for alterations. There are different cognitive profiles among OAWH with HAND. These differences may be due to individual patterns of HIV-related and non-HIV-related factors.

Multidisciplinary Approach of a Male Case of Imported Malaria, HIV Chronic Infection, and Latent Syphilis

Background: The current economic and social crisis in Latin America has caused migration to the USA, bringing with it Public Health challenges due to the importation of various infectious diseases. Migrants, particularly those with chronic conditions, such as HIV infection and other sexually transmitted infections (STI), are at greater risk due to pharmacological interruption and access to medical care, so the timely detection of diseases acquired during their migration, such as malaria, is crucial to avoid health complications. Objective: To outline by a multidisciplinary approach (Infectology, Parasitology, Epidemiology, molecular Biology, Venereology, and Public Health) the diagnosis and management of a male case with malaria imported to Mexican territory, HIV chronic infection, and latent syphilis. Methods: A male migrant of Venezuelan nationality attended the Clínica Especializada Condesa Iztapalapa in Mexico City for health complications. A comprehensive analysis of laboratory and molecular tests was performed to confirm HIV infection. During the STI diagnostic algorithm, latent syphilis was detected and microscopic observation of blood smears revealed parasitic forms compatible with malaria. Standard and molecular tests were applied under the operational definition for malaria cases for identification, diagnosis, and treatment. Finally, study of clinical history and migration route by questioning for the investigation of the imported case was performed. Results: The immigrant was diagnosed with HIV chronic-stage infection with interrupted antiretroviral therapy (ART), latent syphilis, and malaria by Plasmodium vivax. The ART administered was chosen based on the possible drug interaction with antimalarials and genetic barrier to the HLA-B* allele. Finally, antimicrobial therapy against syphilis was penicillin. From the analysis of the migratory route, incubation time of imported malaria, and questioning, we speculated that the migrant acquired the P. vivax infection in Panama. Conclusions: This case highlights the complex health problems faced by migrants with HIV infection, particularly when they contract additional infections such as malaria during migration and highlights the need for comprehensive access to healthcare and ART, antimalarial and antimicrobial treatments to mitigate the health risks of this vulnerable population.

Transportation usage and perceptions among older adults in Mexico City: a qualitative study

Abstract Transportation plays a vital role in meeting the daily activity needs of individuals, including older adults. One major gap in the existing ageing and mobility literature is that most studies are situated in the Global North despite Global South cities facing comparatively faster ageing. This article’s primary purpose is to examine the daily lived experiences of transportation use among older adults in Mexico City. Secondarily it explores contextual differences among individuals living in two neighbourhood types – those with high or low access to public transportation networks. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 22 older adults and isolated four central themes that encapsulate their experiences of transportation in Mexico City. The extensive and well-run structured-transit system in central Mexico City was the source of many positive experiences for older adults, especially regarding affordability, high network connectivity and overall sense of safety and comfort. This was true for most participants across neighbourhood types and socio-economic statuses. Conversely, in peripheral neighbourhoods dominated by less-structured transportation modes, negative experiences included complaints about vehicle drivers, crime and safety, comfort and convenience. This article’s contributions are showing (1) consistency with existing Global South literature whereby older adults tend to use public transportation more widely and hold similar complaints related to poor experiences as older adult passengers; (2) that Mexico City exemplifies older adult transportation experiences that are dramatically different from car-dependent societies in the Global North; and (3) how older adults’ experiences with public transportation can vary significantly based on residential location within the city.

Mosquito diversity, abundance and phenology in Mexico City: A heavily urbanized environment

We need to understand how zoonotic diseases make their way in urbanized areas, and one way is via gathering well-structured temporal and spatial accounts of zoonotic disease vectors. Due to its large biotic and abiotic heterogeneity, Mexico City provides favorable environmental conditions for the proliferation of mosquitoes including vector species of medical importance. Hereby we present the results of one year sampling (May 2023-April 2024) in eight contrasting locations in Mexico City. In total, 4,861 mosquitoes belonging to 11 species were captured, with Culex stigmatosoma and Culex restuans emerging as the most dominant, while Anopheles aztecus, Culex erythrothorax and Aedes trivittatus were the least abundant. Monthly fluctuations in the composition and abundance of species were observed at each site, highlighting cemeteries as the places with the highest mosquito density, making them key areas for monitoring. This research should serve local health authorities to guide mosquito control strategies, and two key candidates are Culex quinquefasciatus and Cx. restuans, particularly from June to November which is when their abundance reaches a peak.

Soil Ecosystem Services in Urban Parks as a Basis for Better Urban Planning: The Case of Mexico City

Until now, the contribution of soils in urban spaces has been underestimated and, as a result, the services they provide have been severely undervalued in urban planning. This article aims to address this issue through a study of Chapultepec Park in Mexico City. We provide two methodological proposals for the analysis of soil ecosystem services characterized by the interaction of natural and anthropic processes: the morpho-pedological landscapes (MpL), in which we quantify soil carbon sequestration (SOC Mg ha−1) and the comparison of two methods for the analysis of hydraulic conductivity: Pedotransfer functions (PTF) and direct measurement with a double ring infiltrometer. Among the 12 MpL, we found the highest SOC content in slopes with mixed tree vegetation and Phaeozem soils. However, SOC retention decreased by 40%–50% due to sealing surfaces. For infiltration measures, despite the diversity of soils and vegetation, direct measurements values are highly homogeneous, while values calculated using PTFs better reflect the morphopedological landscape heterogeneity. In all the MpLs, the hydraulic conductivity was higher than the maximum rainfall intensity report, indicating that the soils in Chapultepec Park, despite the differences in soils and intensity of use, provide the ecosystem service of infiltration. These results would allow the establishment of a baseline for monitoring these services and provide information to decision makers and urban planners seeking to reduce the construction of gray infrastructure that seals soils and reduces their capacity to provide these ecosystem services.