State Of Mexico Research Articles

Impacts of projected urban growth on simulated near-surface temperature in Mexico City Metropolitan Area: Implications for urban vulnerability

Urbanization impacts the surface temperature fields increasing the vulnerability of urban residents to heat exposure. Identifying vulnerable urban populations to extreme heat exposure is crucial to develop mitigation and adaptation strategies towards sustainability. We used an urban growth model (SLEUTH) to simulate emerging urban areas in Mexico City Metropolitan Area (MCMA) under a hypothetical land-use policy scenario projected to 2060 in which no restrictions were posed to urban growth. SLEUTH outputs were used in the numerical model Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) to quantify expected changes in near-surface temperature within the MCMA. We calculated and mapped heat exposure as differences in average (Tmean), maximum (Tmax) and minimum (Tmin) temperatures over the diurnal cycle between future and current land cover conditions. Population vulnerability to projected increases in heat exposure was determined using a set of socioeconomic indicators. SLEUTH simulations showed an urban area expansion of nearly 4,790 km2 by 2060. Overall, changes in Tmin were greater than changes observed for Tmax and Tmean. Tmean, Tmax and Tmin increases up to 0.6°C, 1.3°C and 2.6°C, respectively, were recorded for the MCMA with greatest temperature changes observed in the State of Mexico. Results suggested the presence of socioeconomic disparities in the projected spatial exposure of urban-induced heat in MCMA. We argue that our results could be used to inform and guide locally tailored actions aimed at reducing exposure and increasing population´s capacities to cope and adapt to future threats.

Effect of physical characteristics of coffee grain (Coffea arabica L.) cultivated in Temascaltepec, state of Mexico, on the roasting process

The Finca the Illusion produces coffee that earned second place in the 2018 and fourth place in the 2019 and 2021 “Cup of Excellence Mexico” competitions (represented by technician Federico Barrueta). Due to the scarce physicochemical and organoleptic information on coffee from the southern region of the State of Mexico, the objective of this study was to evaluate the physical and sensory characteristics of coffee (Coffea arabica L. var. Caturra Rojo) grown at Finca the Illusion in Temascaltepec, State of Mexico. A completely randomized design was established with two treatments (Finca the Illusion and Finca Soconusco) and three repetitions (350 g each). The variables analyzed in the coffee were defects, percentage of defect-free grain, density, moisture, water activity, and sensory evaluation of the beverage. At Finca the Illusion, the main defect was fungal damage, which can be prevented with proper practices during the collection of coffee cherry and classification of green coffee. The moisture (10.1%), density (0.69 kg/L), and water activity value (0.51) were within the optimal range. The roasting was medium-light, and the cupping score was 86, corresponding to an Excellent Specialty Origin coffee.

ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF REPRESENTATIVE SMALL SCALE DAIRY PRODUCTION UNITS TO 2027

<p><strong>Background: </strong>Small-scale dairy systems are vital in rural communities and strategic for livelihoods an economic development. <strong>Objective:</strong> To estimate the economic and financial viability of small-scale dairy Representative Production Units (RPU) in the high plateau of the State of Mexico using a Monte Carlo simulation. <strong>Methodology:</strong> Net yields were estimated for a 5-year planning horizon via simulated values for the distribution of input and product processes, establishing 2022 as the base scenario. A stochastic modelling approach was used to determine the economic and financial outlook considering the cost of two sources of labor for the simulations: (1) Cost of family labor (FL); and (2) Cost of external hired labor (EL). <strong>Results</strong>: A panorama of economic viability was evidenced. However, a lack of financial wellbeing was also determined. When FL was factored in, net income was estimated in $17.99 thousand USD in 2023 and $26.35 thousand USD in 2027. On the other hand, considering EL resulted in a net income of $9.88 thousand USD in 2023 and $16.31 USD in 2027. The Net Present Value in 2027 was calculated at $-161.84 thousand USD and $-191.27 thousand USD, with FL and EL, respectively. While the RPUs were determined to be competitive, the level of risk was significant due to the high monetary value, limited degree of specialization of the RPUs, and the prevailing volatile scenario at the time. <strong>Implications: </strong>This study can enable decision-makers, on one hand, to analyze and design policies and differentiated strategies for small-scale dairy production systems. On the other hand, it can empower dairy farmers to assess scenarios of technical and productive intervention. <strong>Conclusions:</strong> The financial and economic weakening of the studied RPU could have negative implications in terms of public policy, labor, marketing, value chains, and the persistence of producers in such activity.</p>

Attitudes, Behaviors, and Perceptions of Students Vaping in Three Mexican Universities.

The increase in the popularity and use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) has consistently risen worldwide and has become associated with adverse health outcomes. This study has identified the attitudes and perceptions of undergraduate students who vape in three universities in Mexico. A cross-sectional study involving 495 participants was conducted using a survey from October to December 2023. Three universities in different states in Mexico collaborated with colleges in Yucatan, Durango, and Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Descriptive statistics include frequencies and percentages, and four logistic regression models were employed. In the sample, 31% and 17.54% of participants reported smoking and vaping, respectively. Students who reported vaping in the last month reported that their first experience with vaping was at an average of 17.3 years of age, and of those, 71.26% (n = 62) reported having vaped for over 100 days, while the remaining 38% reported vaping for between 2 and 100 days. Students from Veracruz and Yucatan began vaping at a younger age than in the central and northern regions. There is a need to educate students about the dangers of the chemicals in the liquids they use, the secondary exposure vapers, and the health dangers they pose.

Regionalization of primary health care units: An iterated greedy algorithm for large-scale instances

In this paper, we study the problem of multi-institutional regionalization of primary health care units. The problem consists of deciding where to place new facilities, capacity expansions for existing facilities, and demand allocation in a multi-institutional system to minimize the total travel distance from demand points to health care units. It is known that traditional exact methods as branch-and-bound are limited to solving small- to medium-size instances of the problem. Given that real world-instances can be large, in this paper we propose an iterated greedy algorithm with variable neighborhood descent search for handling large-scale instances. Within this solution framework, several methods are developed. A greedy constructive method and two deconstruction strategies are developed. Another interesting component is the exact optimization of a demand allocation subproblem that is obtained when the location of facilities is previously fixed. An empirical assessment using real-world data from the State of Mexico’s Public Health Care System is carried out. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed metaheuristic in handling large-scale instances.

Self-management of water: uses of rainwater harvesting. The case of Sierra de Mexico

Introduction: rainwater harvesting and self-management of water are promising approaches to address water scarcity and limited access to safe drinking water. These approaches require the active participation of individuals and communities, fostering solidarity, cooperation and trust among them. At the same time, it is essential to be supported by government policies that promote and facilitate the implementation of rainwater harvesting systems and establish a sound regulatory basis for their safe and effective use. Methods: a mixed approach was used, combining the benefits of qualitative research with documentary reviews. This approach allowed us to examine and describe key aspects related to water self-management, social capital and the role of government policies in the implementation of rainwater harvesting, especially in the community of La Lupita in Lerma, State of Mexico. Results: this community has implemented traditional self-management strategies to cope with water scarcity, such as rainwater harvesting and the use of community reservoirs. However, challenges in water supply persist, especially during the dry season. Conclusions: it is necessary to promote integral solutions that combine rainwater harvesting with governmental actions and promote education on responsible water use

A new genus of Cicadellini (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) from the Oaxacan Cloud Forest, with taxonomic notes on allied red-striped genera

Cicadellinae is a relatively large subfamily of leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) with a cosmopolitan distribution with most genera known to occur in the Neotropics. Mexico houses nearly 16% of the total genera and most are endemic, inhabiting threatened native forests. Here, a new unusual Mexican genus, Christopherus gen. nov., is described to accommodate a new species of Cicadellini, C. mictlantecuhtli sp. nov., collected in the endangered Cloud Forest of Sierra Juárez, Oaxaca State of Mexico, based on dry-pinned museum specimen data. The new taxa can be separated from other Neotropical Cicadellini genera easily using male genitalia features: (i) pygofer without processes, (ii) segment 10th without processes, (iii) paraphysis absent, and (iv) edeagus with single basal atrial process elongate and asymmetrical. The monotypic genus Gillonella with its type species, G. ampulla Nielson & Godoy, 1995, are redescribed. A detailed extensive morphological description and discussion to distinguish the new genus from allied red-striped Neotropical genera in Mexico, Central America, and South America are given. Distributional data for new taxa within Mexican forests is also provided.

Species delimitation using multiple sources of evidence from the Pinus strobiformis-Pinus ayacahuite Species Complex

Background: The Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt (TMVB) in central Mexico is characterized by peaks of high altitude and geologic instability. In this zone, Pinus strobiformis and Pinus ayacahuite form a contact zone with Pinus veitchii. The taxonomical circumscription of white pines in Central Mexico has been unstable, especially regarding the status of P. veitchii.
 Questions: What are the species boundaries of the montane Mexican white pines species complex? Is Pinus veitchii a hybrid or an independently evolving lineage?
 Studied species: Pinus strobiformis, Pinus veitchii and Pinus ayacahuite species complex.
 Study site and dates: United States of America and Mexico from 2003 to 2022.
 Methods: We performed multivariate analyses on 10 morphological characters and characterized the climatic niche divergence and the genetic differentiation using SNPs.
 Results: Our results showed that P. veitchii is morphologically similar to P. strobiformis, but does not have intermediate morphological values with P. ayacahuite. The ecological niche differentiation was not significant. Genetic analyses showed P. veitchii as an independent lineage with evidence of admixture with P. ayacahuite, suggesting a gene flow but not a hybrid origin.
 Conclusions: Two of the three lines of evidence support three independent lineages. Environmental information showed niche conservatism, morphology and genetic structure showed differentiation of all three taxa, with a greater morphological similarity between P. strobiformis and P. veitchii, and genetic analyses recovered evidence of introgression, suggesting a complex demographic history in the Trans Mexican Volcanic Belt.

Trajectory model of adherence to cervical cancer treatment in central Mexico during the COVID-19 era

Background: Cervical Uterine Cancer is a disease that explains the vulnerability in which women find themselves in terms of reproductive health with an impact on occupational health and public health, even though in Mexico the prevalence rate is lower than the other member countries. of the OECD, its impact on Human Development and Local Development shows the importance that the disease has in communities more than in cities where prevention policies through check-ups and medical examinations seem to stop the trend, but they show the lack opportunities and capabilities of health centers in rural areas.Target: To establish the reliability, validity and correlations between the variables reported in the literature with respect to their weighting in a public hospital.Method: A non-experimental, cross-sectional, and exploratory study was carried out with a non-probabilistic selection of 104 patients from a public hospital in the State of Mexico. The Scale of Psychosocial Variables Determining Adherence to Treatment of Cervical Cancer was constructed.Results: From a structural model [χ2 = 490.330 (28 df) p = 0.000; GFI = 0.927; CFI = 0.970; RMSEA = 0.003] the fit of the trajectories of determinant relationships in which knowledge influenced treatment adherence behavior was demonstrated (β = 0.50).Conclusion: The limits of the design, sampling and analysis of the study are noted, and it is recommended to include organizational and psychological variables based on theories of organizations and theories of personality.

Financial education in young people: A comparison of two institutions of higher education

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the characteristics of the financial education of students at two higher education institutions in the State of Mexico. It was found that Institution 2 is in a better position with respect to Institution 1 by presenting more favorable aspects in 3 of the 5 variables analyzed, however, it is also deduced that the students surveyed in both schools present a low level of financial education by presenting a lack of knowledge and skills in the variables studied and in addition to showing negative aspects that could put their financial situation at risk.

Well-being and contexts of development of U.S. citizen children in Mexico following parental deportation or voluntary relocation.

When undocumented immigrant parents are deported from the United States, they must decide whether or not to take their U.S.-born and undocumented immigrant children with them, often to countries the children have never visited or know little about. Other parents do not wait to be deported by the government and decide to relocate to their home countries with or without their children. Both sets of families experience relocation but under different circumstances. These differences deserve exploration to understand the psychological and emotional effects on children's well-being. In this cross-sectional study, we explored differences in self-concept, internalizing and externalizing behaviors, as well as the perception of the home, school, and neighborhood contexts of 178 U.S. citizen children (USCC) whose parents returned to Mexico forcibly and voluntarily. Through snowball sampling, we recruited the sample from two bordering Mexican states, Michoacán and the State of Mexico. Significant estimated marginal mean differences in internalizing and externalizing behavior problems, unhappiness, as well as parent-child conflict and support were found between USCC who relocated due to a parental deportation and those USCC whose parents relocated to Mexico voluntarily. Implications for clinicians in Mexico and the United States include recognizing the reasons, timing, decisions, events, and contexts of relocation. Findings can help inform immigration policies, practices, and future research. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Abstract 4855: Identifying hot spots of breast cancer and industrialized areas in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico

Abstract Background: Sonora, a state in Mexico, has the highest rates of breast cancer in the country and has a history of industrial pollution. These factors may contribute to an increased risk of breast cancer. Hermosillo, the state capital, exhibits both of these characteristics. Given these conditions, it is important to further evaluate the prevalence of breast cancer hotspots and the potential links between breast cancer and industrialized areas. Objective: Identify breast cancer hot spots and their association to industrialized areas in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. Methods: This study collected clinical data on breast cancer cases (current, survivors, deceased) from hospital files in Hermosillo that were 10 years old. The primary unit of analysis was neighborhoods. The study estimated breast cancer prevalence by analyzing the number of females per neighborhood, based on data reported by INEGI Census 2020. The data was categorized by age groups (age group no. 1 of 18 to 59 years old, no. 2 of 60 to 64 years old, and no. 3 of 65 years old or older). The estimated prevalence was depicted on a map using ArcGIS software, version 10.8.2. Hot spot analysis was used to identify neighborhoods with high breast cancer prevalence. The study also categorized neighborhoods as industrialized areas if they contained at least six hazard-generator industries. Results: A total of 1394 cases of breast cancer were gathered from hospitals. Location information for 3697 industries was provided by INEGI. Out of the 756 neighborhoods studied, 95 (12.6 %) were found to be industrialized areas, while 661 (87.4 %) were non-industrialized. Four neighborhoods in Hermosillo's southeast were observed to have breast cancer hot spots (unadjusted). After adjusting for age, one hot spot was found in the southeast for age group no. 1 (one neighborhood), while hot spots for group no. 2 (three neighborhoods) and no. 3 (33 neighborhoods) were in Hermosillo's northwest. The hot spots were related to industrialized areas (unadjusted OR = 6.94, 95% CI (0.94, 50.8), p-value = 0.05). After age adjustment, this association was statistically significant for group no. 3 (OR = 2.70, 95% CI (1.27, 5.72), p-value = 0.009), but not for group no. 1 (OR = 1.69, 95% CI (0.06, 41.74), p-value = 0.748) or group no. 2 (OR = 2.56, 95% CI (0.23, 28.46), p-value = 0.44). Conclusions: Our research found a link between industrialized areas and high breast cancer rates. We also found hotspots for women aged 65+ in Hermosillo, with 33 affected neighborhoods in the city's northwest. This is the first comprehensive study examining breast cancer prevalence in Hermosillo over a ten-year period. More extensive studies are needed in other cities in Sonora, Mexico, to confirm our findings. Citation Format: Diana Evelyn Villa-Guillen, Aurelio A. Mata-Valenzuela, Hector Tecuanhuey-Tlahuel, Andres M. Galvez-Arevalo, Kenneth L. Garcia-Castellon, Yoahana E. Guzman-Hernandez, Karla S. Ortega-Landa, Fatima Y. Pelayo-Rodriguez, Jose R. Silva-Rivera, Rogelio A. Ureña-Acosta, David O. Garcia, Jorge A. Villa-Carrillo. Identifying hot spots of breast cancer and industrialized areas in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 4855.

GENERATING NITROGEN RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MAIZE: ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS

The use of excessive amounts of nitrogen fertilizers in crops usually results in nitrogen (N) losses, increasing environmental pollution and contributing to climate change, while also elevating crop production costs. This study aimed to determine in maize (Zea mays L.): (1) the economic optimal nitrogen rate (EONR), economic optimal yield (EOY), and N use efficiency (NUE) utilizing the current N/maize (grain) price ratio (N/MPR) for attainable yield levels; and (2) the effect of an increase in the N/MPR on the EONR, EOY, net income (NI), NUE, and the loss of N. Data from 140 maize response experiments to increasing rates of N, conducted between 2010 and 2019 across 18 states in Mexico under rainfed and irrigated conditions, were analyzed. In these experiments, the average maximum yields were 4.971 ± 2.716 Mg ha-1 under rainfed conditions and 11.776 ± 2.366 Mg ha-1 under irrigated conditions. The EONR, EOY, and NUE were determined with the current N/MPR for attainable yield levels. At these levels, both the EONR and NUE increased with higher EOY and decreased with increased yield without N treatment. An increase in N/MPR reduced EONR and its associated costs without significantly affecting EOY and NI. The reduction in EONR resulted in higher NUE and, consequently, lower N losses. By utilizing N/MRP in economic optimization, recommended N rates for maize can be reduced, leading to decreased N losses and environmental pollution.

Molecular and biological characterization of pepino mosaic virus isolates occurring in the main tomato-producing areas in Mexico

Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) has caused major epidemics in tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) worldwide. Five genotypes have been identified: Peruvian (LP), European (EU), American (US1), Chilean (CH2), and Southern Peruvian (PES). The aim of this study was to determine the current distribution of PepMV in the main tomato-producing areas of Mexico, as well as to identify the predominant genotypes and their biological behavior in alternative hosts and indicator species. A total of 77 samples of tomato plants showing PepMV symptoms-like with leaf mottling, mosaic, and chlorosis symptoms, as well as marbled fruit, were analyzed by multiplex reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR). Sequencing data confirmed the identification of PepMV genotypes in 15 samples from six states. Six samples with single CH2 genotype infection, two with LP genotype, two with EU genotype, and five LP + CH2 co-infections were detected. Moreover, a high prevalence of ToBRFV was found, either in single infection or in co-infection with PepMV. Five PepMV sources (three CH2, one EU, and one with LP + CH2 co-infection) were used in the biological indexing. All isolates induced systemic infection in Solanum lycopersicum, Datura stramonium, Nicotiana occidentalis, and Solanum melongena. In tomato, CH2 isolates induced mild mosaics and chlorosis, whereas the EU isolate caused chlorotic mosaics typical of PepMV. In D. stramonium and S. melongena, chlorosis, interveinal yellowing, and mosaics were observed. Nicotiana occidentalis showed symptoms with all isolates, particularly with the CH2-MXM01 isolate, which caused necrotic lesions. Overall, PepMV is present in at least six states in Mexico, with the CH2 genotype and mixed LP + CH2 infection prevailing. US1 and PES genotypes were not detected. Interestingly, an EU isolate was characterized as an aggressive variant, causing mosaics and severe chlorosis.

Genetic variability of two Mexican Tomato brown rugose fruit virus isolates and expression of symptoms in tomato and pepper

Objective/Background. The objective was to analyze the variability of two Mexican isolates of ToBRFV after a process of inoculation and multiplication in different commercial and Mexican landraces of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) (15 materials) and pepper (Capsicum annuum) (20 materials), and to evaluate the expression of symptoms under greenhouse conditions. Materials and Methods. In greenhouses, the post-infection variability of two isolates was analyzed: EM-JI2021 (State of Mexico) and C-JI2021 (Colima) in 15 genotypes of tomato and 20 of pepper. Each isolate was mechanically inoculated on five plants per genotype with a total of 150 plants (56 days old) of tomato and 200 of pepper. Three plants per genotype were used as controls. Sixty-one days after inoculation, one leaf per plant was collected for RT-PCR. Incidence and symptom expression were recorded. RNA extraction was by 2% CTAB. ToBRFV-F/ ToBRFV-R primers amplifying 475 bpb of the RpRd gene were used (SENASICA-CNRF). 24 RT-PCR products were sequenced, cleaned and aligned with NCBI Genbank records using MEGAv11.0.13. Based on epidemiological criteria, 34 sequences were selected from GenBank for variability analysis. Results. Ten days after inoculation, tomato genotypes exhibited severe mosaic, mild mosaic, and reduced leaf area. In pepper, symptoms differentiated by genotype were observed, including hypersensitivity reaction, leaf deformation, stem necrosis, mosaic, yellowing, necrotic lesions, and asymptomatic condition. Between position 2,124 to 2,500 bp there was 99.74 % homology with the first report of ToBRFV in Jordan (KT383474.1). Homology >99.74 % was found with isolates from USA (MT002973.1) and Canada (OQ674195.1). C-JI2021 exhibited no variability, while EM-JI2021 generated three haplotypes: One nucleotide change (c.2,355T>C) was detected in Mulato (pepper) and Don R (tomato), while two substitutions (c.2,278A>T; c.2,355T>C) were detected in Santawest, Altius, Sahariana and Nebula (tomato). Conclusion. The pathogenic intensity of ToBRFV varied from asymptomatic to severe depending on the combination of host, genotype, and haplotype. In short periods of infection, three haplotypes were detected, suggesting host-dependent mutagenic capacity of the virus.

Functional limitation among middle age and older adults: Exploring cross-national gender disparities

ObjectiveFunctional limitations are prevalent among aging demographics, especially women. Structural and health factors, which vary worldwide, influence rates of functional limitations. Yet, gender disparities in functional limitation remain unclear in a global context. MethodsWe use 2018 data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) international family of studies with respondents ages 50–64 and (n = 87,479) and 65–89 (n = 92,145) to investigate gender disparities in large muscle functional limitation (LMFL) across 10 countries/regions using mixed effects logistic regression, with special attention to structural indicators of inequality and health. ResultsAmong both women and men, LMFL was generally higher in China, India, Mexico, United States, and Baltic States than in England, Scandinavia, Southern Europe, Eastern Europe, and Western Europe. The gender disparity in LMFL gradually declined at older ages in India, China, Mexico, and United States, while this disparity gradually increased at older ages throughout Europe. Among middle age respondents, the greater risk of LMFL for women in countries/regions with a high GII was no longer observed after accounting for comorbidities. Among older respondents, a lower risk of LMFL for women in countries/regions with a high GII was not observed until accounting for comorbidities. DiscussionOur findings suggest that rates of LMFL are higher in middle-income countries than high-income countries, especially among women, and in countries with a higher GII. In addition, consideration of comorbidities was integral to these relationships. Thus, national/regional contexts inform differential rates of functional limitation, particularly as it relates to gender.

Studies on airborne microbiota in Mexico, a review

Airborne microbiota has garnered increasing interest in recent decades, not only because of its role as carrier of pathogenic microorganisms and its involvement in the deterioration of man-made objects, buildings, and food but also because of its participation in atmospheric processes and its content of microorganisms, important for biogeochemical cycles in different ecosystems. In order to understand and comprehensively analyze existing studies on airborne microbiota in Mexico, a systematic review was conducted utilizing Web of Science and Google Scholar as search tools. The information found in the 35 identified publications was systematically organized, including title, study location, sampling method, laboratory approach, identification method, and organisms found. This information was then ordered into three sections: bibliometric analysis, employed methodologies, and main findings. Through this work, it was revealed that the studies were carried out in 14 out of the 32 states of Mexico, with Mexico City standing out with 17 articles. Three methodological approaches were identified: microbial cultures (77% of the studies), microscopy (11.5%), and metagenomics (11.5%). The studies predominantly focused on state capitals or densely populated cities, making the identification of potentially pathogenic organisms from humans, animals, and plants, of particular interest. This comprehensive review lays the foundation for proposing compelling avenues of future research, aimed at advancing our comprehension of airborne microbiota in Mexico.

Nitrogen compounds at Mexican and USA coasts on the Gulf of Mexico

In recent decades, anthropogenic emissions in the Gulf of Mexico have caused a deterioration in air quality in surrounding areas, mainly due to particulate matter, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. Over this period, interest in reactive nitrogen compounds has increased due to their relationships to air quality and ecosystem impacts associated with atmospheric deposition. In this study we summarize air concentrations of nitrogen dioxide in ambient air and wet atmospheric deposition of nitrate and ammonium along the southern coast of the United States of America and eastern Mexico over the period 2017 to 2020. The highest concentrations of ammonium and nitrate were observed in precipitation at Texas and sites in Mexico, although the highest rates of atmospheric deposition were observed in Florida and Louisiana. The ratio between ammonium and nitrate in precipitation was higher at Mexican stations than in studied sites in the United States, influenced by meteorological factors, atmospheric emissions, and characteristic air mass transport in the region. Back trajectory modeling showed the importance of the seasonality of the wind in the transport of nitrogen compounds of local and regional origin that affect Veracruz.

Detection and molecular characterization of a 16SrII group phytoplasma associated with ‘witches broom’ disease in cactus (Opuntia sp.)

Objective/Background. Phytoplasmas are obligate plant pathogens that exhibit strong specificity with their hosts. Typical symptoms induced by these pathogens include stunted growth and general decline, among others, and they rarely lead to plant death. The aim of this research was to determine the phytoplasma associated with the ‘witch’s broom’ symptom in an ornamental cactus (Opuntia sp.). Materials and Methods. Four samples of ornamental cacti exhibiting ‘witch’s broom’ symptoms were collected from four commercial nurseries in Texcoco, State of Mexico. DNA extraction was performed on the samples, followed by PCR using specific primers for phytoplasmas (P1/P7 and R16F2n/R16R2). Phytoplasma determination was carried out through PCR, in vitro RFLP, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis. Results. According to the various analyses conducted, it was determined that the phytoplasma associated with the ornamental cactus belongs to the subgroup 16SrII-C. Conclusion. Based on the obtained results, it is established that a phytoplasma from the 16SrII-C subgroup is associated with the ‘witch’s broom’ symptom in the ornamental cactus (Opuntia sp.).

Education and public outreach: communicating science through storytelling.

Education and public outreach activities can be challenging for most active scientists, for very good reasons. Allotment of time to participate in outreach activities could be a major challenge. However, when such activities are incorporated into one's academic and research plan, they can be enriching. Here, the author describes his experience in what began as on one-off participation at an outreach event, leading to a series of speaking events addressing the public at the monthly meetings of several astronomy clubs/societies, observatories, etc. in the states of Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Colorado. They have often involved the use of motifs and characters from popular science fiction, literature, and movies and when possible, getting the audience actively involved in the presentations. Furthermore, the discussions following each presentation have been enriching in terms of getting a broad perspective of the perceptions that people in general have, regarding the origins of life, microbiology, extremophiles, and astrobiology.