Fire effect on the diversity of forest species in a medium superennifolia forest of Mexico

Objective: Evaluate the effect of fire on natural regeneration and forest species diversity in a medium superennifolia forest in southeastern Mexico. Design/methodology/approach: Natural regeneration was classified into three height categories (0 to 30 cm, 31 cm to 1 m and 1 to 3 m) and trees in three forest sites burned and unburnt by fire. Results: A total of 1193 individuals belonging to 69 species in 29 taxonomic families were recorded. Regeneration from 0 to 30 cm presented significant differences in species diversity in unburnt forest sites, while in regeneration from 1 to 3 m in burned forest sites. Limitations on study/implications: These types of studies are a first approximation to natural regeneration after a fire in tropical forests, so it is important to maintain permanent sites to monitor the recovery of ecosystems and thus be able to establish management strategies for the restoration of these ecosystems. Findings/conclusions: Regeneration after the fire was established with a low but constant number of species, indicating a tendency towards vegetation resilience. This information allows government institutions to make better decisions on the management and prevention of these ecosystems in Mexico

Estudios etnofarmacológicos de Cecropia obtusifolia (Urticaceae) y su importancia en el tratamiento de la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM-2): una mini-revisión

Background and Aims: Diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM-2) is one of the most recurrent chronic diseases worldwide, it is usually treated with synthetic medications, many of which have important repercussions on the patient's body. For this reason, ethnopharmacology has become more important in recent years, because a large number of plant resources origin are used in medicine and are shown as positive effect in the treatment of different diseases, including DM-2. Therefore, the aim of this review is to highlight how previous studies are adding to the understanding and knowledge of the biological effects reported in Cecropia obtusifolia, a tropical plant included in the Herbal Pharmacopoeia of the United Mexican States (FHEUM), which is commonly used to treat DM-2.Methods: A profound literature review was carried out on C. obtusifolia, focusing on diverse phytochemical, pharmacological, clinical and toxicological studies, as well as on some other relevant research findings.Key results: It is recognized that this species is able to decrease serum glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels due to its hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties, which has been demonstrated both in animal and human experimental models, attributing these effects to chlorogenic acid and isoorientin. These previous reports suggest that C. obtusifolia is a promising candidate for the development of a phytopharmaceutical which could be used in the treatment of DM-2.Conclusions: We provide an updated and complete overview of the phytochemistry, traditional uses, and pharmacological activities of C. obtusifolia. Regarding its pharmacological activities, we focus mainly on the hypoglycemic effect of this plant which supports its traditional use in DM-2 control. Moreover, the present knowledge was critically assessed to provide some evidence and justifications and propose future research prospects.Antecedentes y Objetivos: La diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM-2) es una de las enfermedades crónicas recurrentes más comunes, generalmente se trata con medicamentos sintéticos, muchos de los cuales tienen importantes repercusiones en el cuerpo del paciente. Por esta razón, la etnofarmacología se ha vuelto más importante en los últimos años, porque una gran cantidad de recursos de origen vegetal son utilizados en medicina y muestran un efecto positivo en el tratamiento de diferentes enfermedades, incluyendo DM-2. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de esta revisión es destacar cómo los estudios previos se suman a la comprensión y el conocimiento de los efectos biológicos informados en Cecropia obtusifolia, una planta tropical incluida en la Farmacopea Herbolaria de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos (FHEUM), comúnmente usada para tratar DM-2.Métodos: Se realizó una revisión profunda de la literatura sobre C. obtusifolia, centrándose en diversos estudios fitoquímicos, farmacológicos, clínicos y toxicológicos, así como en otros hallazgos relevantes de investigación.Resultados clave: Se reconoce que esta especie es capaz de disminuir los niveles séricos de glucosa, colesterol y triglicéridos, debido a sus propiedades hipoglucémicas e hipolipidémicas reductoras de lípidos, que se han demostrado tanto en modelos experimentales animales como en humanos, atribuyendo estos efectos al ácido clorogénico y la isoorienina. Estos informes previos sugieren que C. obtusifolia es un candidato prometedor para el desarrollo de un fitofarmacéutico que podría usarse en el tratamiento de DM-2.Conclusiones: Brindamos una visión general actualizada y completa de la fitoquímica, los usos tradicionales y las actividades farmacológicas de C. obtusifolia. En cuanto a sus actividades farmacológicas, nos centramos principalmente en el efecto hipoglucémico de esta planta que apoya su uso tradicional en el control de DM-2. Además, el conocimiento actual se evaluó críticamente para proporcionar algunas pruebas y justificaciones y proponer futuras perspectivas de investigación

Current perspectives on long-COVID: a brief review of understanding and management

Objective: Conduct a retrospective analysis of studies compiled in the literature on the current classification of Long-COVID. Design/methodology/approach: A search was conducted in medical information platforms using the keywords: COVID-19, Long COVID, COVID.19 sequelae, SARS-CoV 2, prolonged COVID. Articles published in the chronological period between 2020 and 2023 in both English and Spanish were used. Inclusion criteria were a maximum of five years since publication, review articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses or clinical practice guidelines. The exclusion criteria were that the articles exceeded the time limit, that they were opinion articles, case reports or trials. Results: There is no homogenized definition or standardized guidelines or norms for the diagnosis of Long-COVID, the epidemiological studies are not completely corroborated and there is a great disparity between the incidence rates estimated in the different research works, same case for treatment. Limitations on study/implications: The lack of homogeneity in the patterns of symptoms, classification and diagnosis by the literature and health officials. Findings/conclusions: A multidisciplinary approach is required, where clinical findings, laboratory and imaging studies are integrated, to homogenize information in search of adequate and timely Long-COVID diagnoses and effective treatments for the benefit of patients

Integrated management of yellow aphid (Melanaphis sacchari Zehntner) in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) Moench in Guerrero, Mexico

Sorghum is cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of the world and is an important cereal for Mexico. However, it is affected by different pests, especially the yellow aphid. The objective of the research was to evaluate the effectiveness of biological, botanical and chemical insecticides in reducing Melanaphis sacchari populations in sorghum plants under greenhouse conditions. Planting was conducted in a greenhouse, using the sorghum hybrid 945-M. Pests, diseases and weeds management were implemented. The incidence of the yellow aphid was induced artificially. A total of 13 treatments were applied. The following variables were assessed: the number of aphids per leaf, the biological effectiveness of the treatments, plant height, diameter of the plant stem, number of leaves, and the weight of fresh and dry plants. An analysis of variance was conducted for each variable under study, as along with a comparison of means using the Tukey method (α=0.05) and correlation analysis using the SAS® 9.4 software. The chemical, biological and organic insecticide that exhibited the greatest control of the yellow aphid (more than 95%) were: Toretto® (sulfoxaflor), PHC® Meta Tron® (M. anisopliae), Bio-Die® (Argemonin, Berberine, Ricinin and a-Terthienyl). Adequate management strategies are needed to avoid health problems in people, environmental contamination and resistance or multiple resistance

Control of Macrophomina pseudophaseolina Crous, Sarr & Ndiaye with Trichoderma spp. and botanical and chemical pesticides

Chili is the most important traditionally consumed vegetable in Mexico; however, production is reduced by soil fungi. The objective of the research was to evaluate in in vitro, greenhouse and field conditions, the effectiveness of biological, botanical and chemical pesticides for the control of Macrophomina pseudophaseolina. In vitro, greenhouse and field experiments were carried out to evaluate the control effect of different pesticides for the control of M. pseudophaseolina. It was determined that all the evaluated strains of Trichoderma spp. They had a fungistatic effect against M. pseudophaseolina, and T. reesei showed the greatest antagonism and antibiosis against M. pseudophaseolina. High, medium and low doses of NeemAcar® and high and medium doses of Regalia® Maxx inhibited 100% the growth of M. pseudophaseolina mycelium. In the greenhouse, the lowest percentage of severity was obtained in the treatment with Regalia® Maxx + T. reesei. In the field, the lowest severity was determined with the application of NeemAcar® CE + Headline®. The preventive or curative application of biological, botanical and chemical pesticides did not influence the severity of the disease.Objective: The objective of the research was to evaluate in in vitro, greenhouse and field conditions, the effectiveness of biological, botanical and chemical pesticides for the control of Macrophomina pseudophaseolina. Design/methodology/approach: In vitro, greenhouse and field experiments were carried out to evaluate the control effect of different pesticides for the control of M. pseudophaseolina. Results: It was determined that all the evaluated strains of Trichoderma spp. they had a fungistatic effect against M. pseudophaseolina, and T. reesei showed the greatest antagonism and antibiosis against M. pseudophaseolina. High, medium and low doses of NeemAcar® and high and medium doses of Regalia® Maxx inhibited 100% the growth of M. pseudophaseolina mycelium. In the greenhouse, the lowest percentage of severity was obtained in the treatment with Regalia® Maxx + T. reesei. In the field, the lowest severity was determined with the application of NeemAcar® CE + Headline®. Limitations on study/implications: Our results are essential for the management of this disease by producers. Findings/conclusions: The implementation of the use of Trichoderma spp., botanical pesticides and chemical insecticides is recommended for the control of M. pseudophaseolina,

Effect of coumaphos on Rhipicephalus microplus and entomopatho-genic nematodes in cattle production units

Objective: to determine the effect of coumaphos on Rhipicephalus microplus and entomopathogenic nematodes in bovine production units. Design/methodology/approach: Two experiments were carried out: First) tick samples were collected and evaluated, using the Adult Immersion Test (10 ticks per humid chamber), the treatments were applied: 1) Control; 2) Coumaphos 0.1 %; 3) Coumaphos 0.2 %; 4) Coumaphos 0.4 %. An ANOVA was carried out with a completely randomized design (mortality dependent variable and treatment independent variable with four levels) and a multiple comparison of means (Tukey's test). Second experiment) 10 samples of livestock soil where coumaphos is used, which correspond to the Mariano Matamoros ejido, Tamaulipas, and 10 non-livestock soil from the Las Huastecas Experimental Field, were analyzed to determine the presence of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN). a cross-frequency table between the sampled soils and the Chi-square test. Results: Experiment 1) In counting the tick mortality percentages on the second day after application in group 1) control was 37.5 %, 2) 72.5 %, 3) 80 %, 4) 92.5 %, on day 7 and day 8 there was no difference with 90 % and 100 % mortality. Experiment 2) The soils positive to EPN were 35 % Non-livestock and 25 % Livestock. Limitations on study/implications: it is important to make producers aware of the correct use of chemical products. Findings/conclusions: R. Microplus was susceptible to coumaphos in cattle production units. A greater presence of EPN was found in non-livestock soils, which may be related to the use of chemical products to control parasites

A Review of the Current Panorama of Glyphosate Resistance among Weeds in Mexico and the Rest of the World

Glyphosate is a non-selective broad-spectrum herbicide. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have classified it as probably carcinogenic to humans, the indiscriminate use of this herbicide in agriculture continues today, as a consequence of its low cost and effectiveness, as well as of the large number of generic products available. In addition to the adverse health effects, the massive use of glyphosate has caused environmental problems which have direct and indirect effects on agroecosystems. With the introduction of resistant transgenic crops, the use of this herbicide has increased fifteenfold since 1996. Just in the last 26 years, 350 cases of glyphosate resistance among weeds have been reported worldwide; however, multiple resistance has been recorded in 23 weed species in 17 countries around the world. In the future, the dependence on this herbicide will result in multiple resistance among weeds, not only in Mexico, but in more parts of the world than those that have been reported to date

Genomic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 transmission lineages in Ecuador.

Characterisation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) genetic diversity through space and time can reveal trends in virus importation and domestic circulation and permit the exploration of questions regarding the early transmission dynamics. Here, we present a detailed description of SARS-CoV-2 genomic epidemiology in Ecuador, one of the hardest hit countries during the early stages of the coronavirus-19 pandemic. We generated and analysed 160 whole genome sequences sampled from all provinces of Ecuador in 2020. Molecular clock and phylogeographic analysis of these sequences in the context of global SARS-CoV-2 diversity enable us to identify and characterise individual transmission lineages within Ecuador, explore their spatiotemporal distributions, and consider their introduction and domestic circulation. Our results reveal a pattern of multiple international importations across the country, with apparent differences between key provinces. Transmission lineages were mostly introduced before the implementation of non-pharmaceutical interventions, with differential degrees of persistence and national dissemination

Al caminar (relatos)

Al Caminar (Relatos), es un trabajo que presenta variedad de temas posibles mediante la escritura de textos que contienen pequeñas historias; desde esta perspectiva se presenta como una obra de creación literaria en el marco de lo que la prosa poética brinda, a partir de lo que emerge desde sensaciones frente a prácticas relacionadas con el ámbito académico y social. Suceso que implica introducirse en la experiencia de imprimir lo que se imagina, para relatarlo mediante historias que se presentan en los escritos. Con los relatos se busca afectar de una manera positiva la expectativa de los lectores, para concebir la literatura como un acto en el que no se pierden las ideas sino un acto en el que se abren posibilidades para transformarlas. De ahí su importancia, pues al escribir se asume una postura más cercana frente a lo que implica la literatura como un área de conocimiento, no sólo de las leyes y normas que sustentan la idea de escritura, sino también de espacios en los que convergen sucesos que hacen parte del movimiento del mundo y de todo lo que aparece en el paso de los días, ya que dentro de esta corriente de ideas están inmersas sensaciones proyectadas mediante la diversidad de los lenguajes

Integrated Analysis of the Transcriptome and Metabolome of Cecropia obtusifolia: A Plant with High Chlorogenic Acid Content Traditionally Used to Treat Diabetes Mellitus

This investigation cultured Cecropia obtusifolia cells in suspension to evaluate the effect of nitrate deficiency on the growth and production of chlorogenic acid (CGA), a secondary metabolite with hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activity that acts directly on type 2 diabetes mellitus. Using cell cultures in suspension, a kinetics time course was established with six time points and four total nitrate concentrations. The metabolites of interest were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the metabolome was analyzed using directed and nondirected approaches. Finally, using RNA-seq methodology, the first transcript collection for C. obtusifolia was generated. HPLC analysis detected CGA at all sampling points, while metabolomic analysis confirmed the identity of CGA and of precursors involved in its biosynthesis. Transcriptome analysis identified differentially expressed genes and enzymes involved in the biosynthetic pathway of CGA. C. obtusifolia probably expresses a key enzyme with bifunctional activity, the hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA quinate hydroxycinnamoyl transferase and hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA shikimate/quinate hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (HQT/HCT), which recognizes shikimic acid or quinic acid as a substrate and incorporates either into one of the two routes responsible for CGA biosynthesis