Molecular identification of hammerhead shark trunks from the southern Gulf of California using multiplex PCR

The demand for shark fins in Asiatic markets has resulted in excessive increases in shark catches, even for species that may be under protection or subject to management. As such, it has been necessary to develop and promote monitoring efforts for exploited species and taxonomic groups in order to improve fishing management strategies for elasmobranchs. Identifying species from landings is one of many fishing management problems because landed organisms have usually already been processed and are therefore incomplete, which makes identification problematic, impedes the generation of proper species records, and leads to poor fishery assessments. Tools that can correctly identify species, such as various molecular techniques, have become essential for accurate fishery assessments. In this study, 30 hammerhead trunks from artisanal fisheries from the southern portion of the Gulf of California were identified using multiplex PCR (17 Sphyrna lewini and 13 Sphyrna zygaena). The total fee to identify each trunk with this technique was ~ $3.80 and the procedure required 2 to 5 days. When compared with other widely-used methods, such as PCR-RFLP or barcoding, multiplex PCR is fast, efficient, low-cost, and easy to implement in a laboratory

Elementos previos a la indagación sobre el pensamiento crítico en teoría lingüística por parte de los licenciados en idiomas: el caso del programa de Lengua Castellana

In the present article we will present, first of all, the circumstances that prompted us to formulate the research project. To this end, some experiences that we have experienced throughout the race are discussed, and we also raise some questions that have arisen throughout our training. Then we will present the theoretical framework that we have used in the formulation of the tool, which is composed of critical thinking, some characteristics that make a person or a student a critical thinker and the importance of developing it in the training of graduates in the Spanish language. The second part of the theoretical framework refers to the importance of establishing the form in the teaching of the graduate, the relationship between disciplinary and pedagogical knowledge and how to evaluate it. The last part referring to the framework is dedicated to trying to clarify the object of study of the graduate in Spanish Language, there is questioned the theoretical and methodological processes taught in linguistics for the teaching of the Spanish language, in addition to the importance of Critical Thinking in the graduate in training. Finally, the process of construction of the tool will be explained and the modifications that each of the test activities had, and what will be achieved with them will be argued.En el presente artículo expondremos en primera medida, las circunstancias que nos impulsaron a formular el proyecto de investigación. Para ello se comentan algunas experiencias que hemos vivido a lo largo de la carrera, además planteamos algunos interrogantes que se han suscitado a lo largo de nuestra formación. Seguidamente se presentará el marco teórico que hemos utilizado en la formulación de la herramienta el cual está compuesto por el pensamiento crítico, algunas características que hacen a una persona o a un estudiante pensador crítico y la importancia de desarrollarlo en la formación de licenciados en lengua castellana. La segunda parte del marco teórico está referida a la importancia de establecer la forma en la enseñanza del licenciado, la relación entre los saberes disciplinares y pedagógicos y la manera de cómo evaluarse. La última parte referida al marco se dedica a tratar de esclarecer el objeto de estudio del licenciado en Lengua Castellana, allí se pone en tela de juicio los procesos teóricos y metodológicos que se enseñan en lingüística para la enseñanza de la lengua castellana, además de la importancia del Pensamiento Crítico en el licenciado en formación. Finalmente se expondrá el proceso de la construcción de la herramienta y se expondrán las modificaciones que tuvo cada una de las actividades de la prueba y se argumentará lo que se pretendía lograr con ellas

Quantic Analysis of the Adherence of a Gram-Negative Bacteria in A HEPA Filter

It is known that Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) are the most frequent bacteria in hospital units. It is also known that GNBs generate a greater number of nosocomial infections in critical areas. In the present work, the adhesion of the bacterial cell wall (BCW) to the compounds of the material layers of a high efficiency filter (HEPA) was analyzed. The analysis was carried out by means of molecular simulation and quantum chemistry. The BCW and HEPA molecules were designed using Hyperchem software for simulation. The calculations of the quantum interactions of the molecules were carried out using the theory of the electron transfer coefficient (ETC). It obtained from 4 to 6 compounds that are more likely to interact even as a chemical reaction. The compounds of the glass fibers are the ones that work best for the adhesion and destruction of the BCW

General Microbiota of the Soft Tick Ornithodoros turicata Parasitizing the Bolson Tortoise (Gopherus flavomarginatus) in the Mapimi Biosphere Reserve, Mexico

The general bacterial microbiota of the soft tick Ornithodoros turicata found on Bolson tortoises (Gopherus flavomarginatus) were analyzed using next generation sequencing. The main aims of the study were to establish the relative abundance of bacterial taxa in the tick, and to document the presence of potentially pathogenic species for this tortoise, other animals, and humans. The study was carried-out in the Mapimi Biosphere Reserve in the northern-arid part of Mexico. Bolson tortoises (n = 45) were inspected for the presence of soft ticks, from which 11 tortoises (24.4%) had ticks in low loads (1–3 ticks per individual). Tick pools (five adult ticks each) were analyzed through 16S rRNA V3–V4 region amplification in a MiSeq Illumina, using EzBioCloud as a taxonomical reference. The operational taxonomic units (OTUs) revealed 28 phyla, 84 classes, 165 orders, 342 families, 1013 genera, and 1326 species. The high number of taxa registered for O. turicata may be the result of the variety of hosts that this tick parasitizes as they live inside G. flavomarginatus burrows. While the most abundant phyla were Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes, the most abundant species were two endosymbionts of ticks (Midichloria-like and Coxiella-like). Two bacteria documented as pathogenic to Gopherus spp. were registered (Mycoplasma spp. and Pasteurella testudinis). The bovine and ovine tick-borne pathogens A. marginale and A. ovis, respectively, were recorded, as well as the zoonotic bacteria A. phagocytophilum,Coxiella burnetii, and Neoehrlichia sp. Tortoises parasitized with O. turicata did not show evident signs of disease, which could indicate a possible ecological role as a reservoir that has yet to be demonstrated. In fact, the defense mechanisms of this tortoise against the microorganisms transmitted by ticks during their feeding process are still unknown. Future studies on soft ticks should expand our knowledge about what components of the microbiota are notable across multiple host–microbe dynamics. Likewise, studies are required to better understand the host competence of this tortoise, considered the largest terrestrial reptile in North America distributed throughout the Chihuahuan Desert since the late Pleistocene

Alternative Eco-Friendly Methods in the Control of Post-Harvest Decay of Tropical and Subtropical Fruits

The effectiveness on several fruits by the application of alternative methods against fungi is summarized in the present chapter. Several investigations have reported the efficacy of these technologies for controlling fungal infections. Currently, high post-harvest loses have been reported due to several factors such as inefficient management, lack of training for farmers, and problems with appropriate conditions for storage of fruits and vegetables. Even now, in many countries, post-harvest disease control is led by the application of chemical fungicides. However, in this time, awareness about fungi resistance, environmental, and health issues has led to the research of eco-friendly and effective alternatives for disease management. The pathogen establishment on fruits can be affected by the application of GRAS compounds like chitosan, essential oils, salts, among others; besides, their efficacy can be enhanced by their combination with other technologies like ultrasound. Thus, the applications of these alternatives are suitable approaches for post-harvest management of fruits

Effect of two enzyme systems on the removal of mucilage from coffee cherry beans (Coffea arabica L.)

Objective: To evaluate and compare the percentage of mucilage removal from coffee (Coffea arabica L.) in pulping using two enzyme systems, Celuzyme and Macerex PM. Design/methodology/approach: Seven treatments combinations were evaluated (type of enzyme and concentration level, plus a control) at 30-minute intervals for 3 h. The experimental unit was 0.2 kg of pulped coffee. Results: Results showed when using these enzyme systems (Macerex PM and Celuzyme) the percentage of mucilage removal increased and time was significantly reduced by 3 to 4 h compared to the natural fermentation time of 15 to 20 h. Limitations on study/implications: Effect of two enzyme systems, Macerex PM and Celuzyme, at different concentrations (ppm). Findings/conclusions: The Macerex PM and Celuzyme enzyme systems showed 95% and 84.5% removed mucilage compared to 35% of the control.Objective: To evaluate and compare the percentage of mucilage removal from coffee (Coffea arabica L.) in pulping using two enzyme systems, Celuzyme and Macerex PM. Design/methodology/approach: Seven treatments combinations were evaluated (type of enzyme and concentration level, plus a control) at 30 min intervals for 3 h. The experimental unit was 0.2 kg of pulped coffee. Results: Results showed when using these enzyme systems (Macerex PM and Celuzyme) the percentage of mucilage removal increased and time was significantly reduced by 3 to 4 h compared to the natural fermentation time of 15 to 20 h. Limitations on study/implications: Effect of two enzyme systems, Macerex PM and Celuzyme, at different concentrations (mg L-1). Findings/conclusions: The Macerex PM and Celuzyme enzyme systems showed 95% and 84.5% removed mucilage compared to 35% of the contro

SilvAdapt.Net: A Site-Based Network of Adaptive Forest Management Related to Climate Change in Spain

[EN] Adaptive forest management (AFM) is an urgent need because of the uncertainty regarding how changes in the climate will affect the structure, composition and function of forests during the next decades. Current research initiatives for the long-term monitoring of impacts of silviculture are scattered and not integrated into research networks, with the consequent losses of opportunities and capacity for action. To increase the scientific and practical impacts of these experiences, it is necessary to establish logical frameworks that harmonize the information and help us to define the most appropriate treatments. In this context, a number of research groups in Spain have produced research achievements and know-how during the last decades that can allow for the improvement in AFM. These groups address the issue of AFM from different fields, such as ecophysiology, ecohydrology and forest ecology, thus resulting in valuable but dispersed expertise. The main objective of this work is to introduce a comprehensive strategy aimed to study the implementation of AFM in Spain. As a first step, a network of 34 experimental sites managed by 14 different research groups is proposed and justified. As a second step, the most important AFM impacts on Mediterranean pines, as one of the most extended natural and planted forest types in Spain, are presented. Finally, open questions dealing with key aspects when attempting to implement an AFM framework are discussed. This study is expected to contribute to better outlining the procedures and steps needed to implement regional frameworks for AFM.A.J. Molina is beneficiary of an "APOSTD" fellowship (APOSTD/2019/111) funded by the Generalitat Valenciana. M. Moreno-de las Heras is beneficiary of a Serra Hunter fellowship (UB-LE-9055) funded by the Generalitat de Catalunya. F.J. Ruiz-Gomez is supported by a postdoctoral fellowship of the Junta de Andalucia (Sevilla, Spain), and the European Social Fund 2014-2020 Program (DOC_0055). The authors received national and international funding through the following projects: SILVADAPT.NET (RED2018-102719-T), ESPECTRAMED (CGL2017-86161-R), Life-FOREST CO2 (LIFE14 CCM/ES/001271), ALTERACLIM (CGL2015-69773-C2-1-P), INERTIA (PID2019-111332RB-C22-BDV), CEHYRFO-MED (CGL2017-86839-C3-2-R), DEHESACLIM (IB16185), RESILIENTFORESTS (LIFE17 CCA/ES/000063), Rhysotto (PID2019-106583RB-I00), AGL2017-83828C2-2-R, RTI2018-096884-B-C31, ESPAS (CGL2015-65569-R), and caRRRascal (RTI2018-095037-B-I00).Molina Herrera, A.; Navarro Cerrillo, R.; Pérez-Romero, J.; Alejano, R.; Bellot, JF.; Blanco, JA.; Camarero, JJ.... (2021). SilvAdapt.Net: A Site-Based Network of Adaptive Forest Management Related to Climate Change in Spain. Forests. 12(12):1-27. https://doi.org/10.3390/f12121807127121

Reproductive management strategies to reduce postpartum anestrus in dual-purpose cattle

Objective: Share technical aspects and recommendations to improve the reproductive and productive efficiency of dual-purpose cattle. Design/methodology/approach: A review of scientific publications was carried out to show the importance of some factors that limit reproduction, as well as management strategies to increase the reproductive potential in dual-purpose cows. Results: Strategic supplementation and selection of females with greater weight gain at weaning and at one year of age reduces the age at puberty. The duration of postpartum anestrus is reduced by weaning calves at a few days or weeks of age, restricting suckling to short periods of the day, delaying suckling, and exposing cows to a bull a few days after postpartum. On average, the combined effect of delayed suckling and exposure of cows to a bull reduces postpartum anestrus to less than 50 d and the calving-conception interval to 84 days. Milk production and calf weight gain also are improved without affecting postpartum weight changes in cows. Study limitations/implications: Extensive management of dual-purpose cattle reduces the intensive use of some reproductive biotechnologies commonly applied in other animal production systems. Findings/conclusions: Improvement in the reproductive efficiency of dual-purpose cattle can be achieved by reducing the age at puberty and postpartum anestrus by using reproductive management strategies and minor modifications to common management practices.Objective: To share technical aspects and recommendations to improve the reproductive and productive efficiency of dual-purpose cattle. Design/Methodology/Approach: A review of scientific articles published in journals was carried out to show the importance of some factors that limit reproduction, as well as to identify management strategies to increase the reproductive potential in dual-purpose cows. Results: The duration of postpartum anestrus is reduced by weaning calves at a few days or weeks of age, restricting suckling to short periods of the day, delaying suckling, and exposing cows to a bull during postpartum. On average, the combined effect of delayed suckling and exposure of cows to a bull reduces postpartum anestrus to less than 50 d and the calving-conception interval to 84 days. Milk production and calf weight gain also are improved without affecting postpartum weight changes in cows. Study Limitations/Implications: Extensive management of dual-purpose cattle reduces the intensive use of some reproductive biotechnologies commonly applied in other animal production systems. Findings/Conclusions: Improvement in the reproductive efficiency of dual-purpose cattle can be achieved by reducing the postpartum anestrus by using reproductive management strategies and minor modifications to common management practices

Near Real-Time Automated Early Mapping of the Perimeter of Large Forest Fires from the Aggregation of VIIRS and MODIS Active Fires in Mexico

In contrast with current operational products of burned area, which are generally available one month after the fire, active fires are readily available, with potential application for early evaluation of approximate fire perimeters to support fire management decision making in near real time. While previous coarse-scale studies have focused on relating the number of active fires to a burned area, some local-scale studies have proposed the spatial aggregation of active fires to directly obtain early estimate perimeters from active fires. Nevertheless, further analysis of this latter technique, including the definition of aggregation distance and large-scale testing, is still required. There is a need for studies that evaluate the potential of active fire aggregation for rapid initial fire perimeter delineation, particularly taking advantage of the improved spatial resolution of the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer (VIIRS) 375 m, over large areas and long periods of study. The current study tested the use of convex hull algorithms for deriving coarse-scale perimeters from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) active fire detections, compared against the mapped perimeter of the MODIS collection 6 (MCD64A1) burned area. We analyzed the effect of aggregation distance (750, 1000, 1125 and 1500 m) on the relationships of active fire perimeters with MCD64A1, for both individual fire perimeter prediction and total burned area estimation, for the period 2012–2108 in Mexico. The aggregation of active fire detections from MODIS and VIIRS demonstrated a potential to offer coarse-scale early estimates of the perimeters of large fires, which can be available to support fire monitoring and management in near real time. Total burned area predicted from aggregated active fires followed the same temporal behavior as the standard MCD64A1 burned area, with potential to also account for the role of smaller fires detected by the thermal anomalies. The proposed methodology, based on easily available algorithms of point aggregation, is susceptible to be utilized both for near real-time and historical fire perimeter evaluation elsewhere. Future studies might test active fires aggregation between regions or biomes with contrasting fuel characteristics and human activity patterns against medium resolution (e.g., Landsat and Sentinel) fire perimeters. Furthermore, coarse-scale active fire perimeters might be utilized to locate areas where such higher-resolution imagery can be downloaded to improve the evaluation of fire extent and impactFunding for this study was provided by CONAFOR/CONACYT Projects “CO2-2014-3-252620” and “CO-2018-2-A3-S-131553” for the development and enhancement of a Forest Fire Danger Prediction System for Mexico, funded by the Sectorial Fund for forest research, development and technological innovation “Fondo Sectorial para la investigación, el desarrollo y la innovación tecnológica forestal”S

Metagenome sequencing of the microbial community of a solar saltern crystallizer pond at cáhuil lagoon, chile.

Cáhuil Lagoon in central Chile harbors distinct microbial communities in various solar salterns that are arranged as interconnected ponds with increasing salt concentrations. Here, we report the metagenome of the 3.0- to 0.2-µm fraction of the microbial community present in a crystallizer pond with 34% salinity