The Use of Biochar of High Growth Rate Plants to Agriculturally Remediate Heavy Metal Polluted Acidic Mine Wastes

The chapter is meant to expose how a sound methodology can be instrumented to both, remediate acidic metal polluted mine wastes, taking advantage of the neutralizing power and high metal sorption affinity of biochar, and to utilize pyrolyzed material derived from high-rate growth plants (water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes Mart, and Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus globulus Labill), which have become of ecological relevance due to their unwanted proliferation over specific terrestrial, lacustrine or riverine environments. In addition, the proposal considers not only neutralizing the mine tailings and abating the toxic levels of specific heavy metals like Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, etc., to fulfill the international and national standards and norms, but to conveniently combine biochar with widely used soil amendments to pass widely recognized biological tests of growth using heavy metal-sensitive plants. The approach addresses firstly: a) characterizing physiochemically mine tailings and biochar, in terms of their properties (metal speciation and contents, potential acidity and neutralization potential, chemical oxygen demand, heavy metal-biochar sorption-complexing affinities, among others), and secondly; b) creating a” fertile environment” by reconditioning, agriculturally, the heavy metal-polluted acidic mine waste to allow native vegetation, or other reforesting species, to regrow on the reclaimed site, based on the bioassay tests performances

Freiberg Disease in an 8-Year-Old Child. Case Report

La enfermedad de Freiberg, originalmente llamada invasión de Freiberg, que significa fractura incompleta, es una forma de necrosis de la cabeza del metatarsiano caracterizada por cambios en la condrogénesis y la osteogénesis en huesos previamente normales, afectando más comúnmente al segundo metatarsiano. Se caracteriza por dolor en la zona adyacente al hueso afectado, generalmente asociado a la actividad física, que empeora con la palpación y limitación del apoyo del pie. La causa es desconocida; Al igual que en otras osteocondritis, se cree que el suministro sanguíneo reducido y los cambios histológicos secundarios están relacionados con microtraumatismos repetidos que causan daño a los centros de crecimiento primarios en etapas importantes del desarrollo. Se asocia con daño primario en el segundo metatarsiano, ya que es el dedo más largo, por lo que el zapato está sometido a una mayor compresión con respecto al eje longitudinal, lo que produce daño en la epífisis. Se reporta paciente masculino de 8 años que refiere metatarsalgia en pie izquierdo con evolución desde hace 1 mes.Freiberg disease, originally called Freiberg invasion, meaning incomplete fracture, is a form of metatarsal head necrosis characterized by changes in chondrogenesis and osteogenesis in previously normal bones, most commonly affecting the second metatarsal. It is characterized by pain in the area adjacent to the affected bone, generally associated with physical activity, which worsens with palpation and limitation of support of the foot. The cause is unknown; As in other osteochondritis, reduced blood supply and secondary histological changes are thought to be related to repeated microtrauma that causes damage to primary growth centers at important stages of development. It is associated with primary damage to the second metatarsal, since it is the longest toe, so the shoe is subjected to greater compression with respect to the longitudinal axis, which causes damage to the epiphysis. An 8-year-old male patient is reported who reports metatarsalgia in the left foot that has been evolving for 1 month

Degradación química en Acrisoles bajo diferentes usos y pendientes en la sabana de Huimanguillo, Tabasco, México

Objective: To evaluate the chemical soil degradation caused by nutrients lost in Acrisols from the Savannah of Huimanguillo, Tabasco, Mexico. Design/methodology/approach: The effect of two factors, land use and slope relief, were study. Properties evaluated were soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (Nt), available phosphorus (P), Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), and exchangeable cations (K, Ca, Mg, Na). Results: The content of SOM were considerate rich to very rich, and did not showed any significant differences between factors. Nt was statistically high, and K was statistically low. P, CEC, Ca, Mg and Na showed statistically differences and lower contents. Limitations of study/implications: Soil degradation is a global problem, therefore the necessity of studies to understand the effect of land use over soil fertility and land chemical conditions. Findings/conclusions: The results indicates presence of chemical degradation in Acrisols, mostly by effect of land use and suggest the necessity of conservation strategies.Objetivo: Evaluar la degradación química del suelo por pérdida de nutrientes en Acrisoles de la Sabana de Huimanguillo, Tabasco, México. Diseño/Metodología/Aproximación: Se estudió el efecto de dos factores, los usos del suelo y las pendientes del relieve. Las propiedades evaluadas fueron materia orgánica del suelo (MOS), nitrógeno total (Nt), fosforo extraíble (P), Capacidad de Intercambio Catiónico (CIC), y bases intercambiables (K, Ca, Mg, Na). Resultados: Los contenidos de MOS son considerados de ricos a muy ricos, sin diferencias significativas entre factores. El Nt fue alto y el K intercambiable bajo, mostrando diferencias significativas. El P, CIC, Ca, Mg y Na mostraron diferencias significativas y contenidos bajos. Limitaciones del estudio/implicaciones: La degradación del suelo constituye un problema global, es necesario estudiar el efecto que tiene el uso del suelo sobre la fertilidad y condiciones químicas de la tierra. Hallazgos/conclusiones: Los resultados muestran la existencia de degradación química en Acrisoles del área de estudio principalmente por efecto del uso del suelo, sugiriendo la necesidad de estrategias de conservación

Carbón vegetal como mejorador de un Acrisol cultivado con caña de azúcar (Saccharum spp.)

Objective: To analyze the effect of the addition of charcoal residues on physical and chemical properties of an Acrisol cultivated with sugar cane in the savannah of Huimanguillo, Tabasco, Mexico. Design/methodology/approach: Unmarketable waste charcoal were used, from the company "El Cocoite", from Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico. An incubation with charcoal mixed with 300 g of soil was performed for different treatments: 0, 1.2g, 1.8g, 2.4g, 3.0g, 3.6 g, 4.2 g and 4.8 g. Two samples were made at 45 and 90 days, in each sample the soil moisture (SM), bulk density (Bd), pH (H2O), organic carbon (OC), C / N, cation exchange capacity was measured (CEC), exchangeables bases, and exchangeable acidity were evaluating. Results: The soil was improved in physical properties: by increasing soil moisture and keeping an appropriate Bd. The chemical properties such as CO, pH, CIC, Ca 2+, Mg 2+ Na+ and K+, were improved, and the exchangeable acidity reduced. Limitations/study implications: Low crop yield in Acrisols used for sugar cane cultivation, limit the sustainability of this high economic impact agricultural activity in the Southeast of Mexico. Findings/conclusions: This would help improve the availability of plant nutrients in the Ferric Acrisol cultivated with sugar cane.Objetivo: Analizar el efecto de la adición de residuos de carbón vegetal sobre las propiedades físicas y químicas de un suelo Acrisol cultivado con caña de azúcar en la sabana de Huimanguillo, Tabasco, México. Diseño/metodología/aproximación: Se utilizaron residuos de carbón vegetal no comercializable, proveniente de la empresa “El Cocoite”, de Villahermosa, Tabasco, México. Para ello se realizó una incubación con los tratamientos: 0, 1.2g, 1.8 g, 2.4 g, 3.0g, 3.6 g, 4.2 g y 4.8 g, de carbón mezclado con 300 g de suelo. Se realizaron dos muestreos, a los 45 y 90 días, en cada muestreo se midió la humedad aprovechable (Ha), densidad aparente (Da), pH (H2O), carbono orgánico (CO), C/N, capacidad intercambió catiónico (CIC), bases intercambiables y acidez intercambiable. Resultados: Se mejoraron las propiedades físicas del suelo, aumentando la Ha y conservando una Da apropiada. Las propiedades químicas del suelo mejoraron y se redujo la acidez intercambiable. Limitaciones/implicaciones del estudio: Los bajos rendimientos en los Acrisoles utilizados para el cultivo de caña de azúcar, suponen una dificultad para la sustentabilidad de esta actividad agrícola de alta importancia económica en el Sureste de México. Hallazgos/conclusiones: Esto ayudaría a mejorar la disponibilidad de nutrientes a la planta en el Acrisol férrico cultivado con caña de azúcar

Análisis de pedigrí en la determinación de la diversidad genética de poblaciones bovinas para carne mexicanas

The objective of this study was to evaluate genetic diversity of seven Mexican beef cattle populations, using pedigree analyses. The analyses were carried out with the Endog software, using information of the registered animals on national herd-book of each breed. The size of the populations studied were: Angus (AN)= 73,271; Black Brangus (BN)= 68,474; Red Brangus (BR)= 12,925; Hereford (HE)= 13,248; Limousin (LI)= 53,221; Salers (SA)= 14,065; and Braunvieh (SE)= 184,788. In general, the populations showed important improvements in pedigree integrities for the more recent 10 yr, with comparative parameters to other published in cattle populations. The generation interval varied among breeds from 5.1 to 7.2 yr. The average inbreeding and relatedness coefficients were relatively low in the different populations (0.9-4.2 and 0.3-6.5 %, respectively); although increases of these indicators during the 10 more recent years were detected in some breeds (BN, BR and HE). The effective population size of studied populations fluctuated between 24 and 192, with values lower than 50 in BR and SA. The parameters related with probability of gene origin indicated that the unbalanced contribution of founders, the bottlenecks and genetic drift have had an important effect on the current populations with the consequent losses in genetic diversity. It is recommended to continue or adopt mating strategies that minimize inbreeding and the intensive use of few animals to maintain genetic variability in future generations, and to increase the genetic diversity through the strategical use of genes from other countries.El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la diversidad genética de siete poblaciones de bovinos para carne en México, mediante análisis de sus pedigríes. Los análisis se realizaron con el programa Endog, utilizando información de los animales inscritos en el libro genealógico nacional de cada raza. Los tamaños de los pedigríes estudiados fueron: Angus (AN)= 73,271; Brangus Negro (BN)= 68,474; Brangus Rojo (BR)= 12,925; Hereford (HE)= 13,248; Limousin (LI)= 53,221; Salers (SA)= 14,065; y Suizo Europeo (SE)= 184,788. En general, las poblaciones mostraron mejoras importantes en la integridad de sus pedigríes en los 10 años más recientes, con parámetros comparables a los publicados en otras poblaciones de bovinos. El intervalo generacional varió de 5.1 a 7.2 años entre razas. Los coeficientes de consanguinidad y de relación genética aditiva promedio fueron relativamente bajos en las diferentes poblaciones (0.9-4.2 y 0.3-6.5 %, respectivamente); aunque en algunas razas (BN, BR y HE) se detectaron incrementos de estos indicadores en los 10 años más recientes. El tamaño efectivo de población fluctuó entre 24 y 192, con valores menores que 50 en BR y SA. Los parámetros relacionados con la probabilidad de origen de los genes indican que las contribuciones desbalanceadas de los animales fundadores, los cuellos de botella y la deriva genética, han tenido un efecto importante en las poblaciones actuales, con la consecuente pérdida de diversidad genética. Se recomienda continuar o adoptar estrategias de apareamiento que minimicen la consanguinidad, y el uso intensivo de pocos animales para mantener la variabilidad genética de futuras generaciones, así como ampliar la diversidad genética mediante el uso estratégico de genes provenientes de otros países.

Celulosa y microcelulosa de residuos del cultivo de caña de azúcar (Saccharum spp.)

Objective: To characterize the structure, texture and thermal properties of cellulose and cellulose microfibers (MFC) of three sugarcane crops and the development of a biocomposite. Design / methodology / approach: The celluloses were extracted by the Kraft method and the MFCs of the cultures MEX-69-290, CP-72-2086 and MEX-68-P23, using oxidative and mechanical processes; for its characterization spectroscopic, microscopic and thermal techniques were used; and were analyzed with a completely randomized design, where the treatments were cellulose and CFM extracted from the three cultivars of sugarcane; In addition to the fusion processing of a biocomposite from polylactic acid and CMF. Results: Cellulose and CFM were obtained from the straw of the three crops, the similar quality, the percentage of moisture in the straw and the cellulose having the same behavior, the chemical composition of the cellulose is of high purity. The results of XRD and FTIR have characteristic bands and similar amounts of cellulose in the crystalline phase. TGA indicates that cellulose decomposes at higher temperatures of polylactic acid (PLA), which supports melt mixing processes. Limitations of the study / implications: The varieties of sugarcane pajamas have different characteristics in the cellulose phase and in the CFM phase; but similar between cultivars. Findings / conclusions: The crystallinity by XRD and the identification of functional groups by FTIR show us characteristic bands of the cell in the crystalline phase and how the amorphous part of the straw is lost without treatment, becoming more crystalline when it becomes cellulose and mostly in microcellulose; as well as the similarity that exists in the three cultivars of said components and in similar quantities. The resistance properties of the biocomposite will be affected when the CFMs are added to the polylactic acid.Objetivo: Caracterizar la estructura, textura y propiedades térmicas de celulosas y microfibras de celulosa (MFC) de tres cultivares de caña de azúcar y la elaboración de un biocompuesto. Diseño/metodología/aproximación: Las celulosas fueron extraídas por el método Kraft y las MFC de los cultivares MEX-69-290, CP-72-2086 y MEX-68-P23, utilizando procesos oxidativos y mecánicos; para su caracterización se emplearon técnicas espectroscópicas, microscópicas y térmicas; y fueron analizadas con un diseño completamente al azar, donde los tratamientos fueron la celulosa y MFC extraídas de los tres cultivares de caña de azúcar; además de la elaboración por fusión de un biocompuesto a partir de ácido poliláctico y las MCF. Resultados: Se obtuvieron celulosa y MFC de la paja de los tres cultivares, la cual presentó similitud, teniendo el mismo comportamiento el porcentaje de humedad en la paja y la celulosa, la composición química de la celulosa es de alta pureza. Los resultados de XRD y FTIR presentan bandas características y cantidades similares de celulosa en fase cristalina. TGA indica que la celulosa se descompone a temperaturas más altas de ácido poliláctico (PLA), lo que apoya los procesos de mezcla en fusión. Limitaciones del estudio/implicaciones: Las variedades de paja de caña de azúcar presentan características diferentes en la fase de celulosa y en fase de MFC; pero similar entre cultivares. Hallazgos/conclusiones: La cristalinidad mediante XRD y la identificación de grupos funcionales por FTIR nos muestran bandas características de celulosa en fase cristalina y cómo se va perdiendo la parte amorfa de la paja sin tratamiento, volviéndose más cristalina al convertirse en celulosa y mayormente en microcelulosa; así como también la similitud que existe en las tres cultivares de dichos componentes y en cantidades semejantes. Las propiedades de resistencia del biocompuesto se vieron afectadas cuando las MFC´s se agregaron al ácido poliláctico

Second Workshop on Atlantic chub mackerel (Scomber colias) (WKCOLIAS2)

The Atlantic chub mackerel Scomber colias has become an increasingly important commercial species in the European Atlantic waters in the last 10–15 years, probably through an expansion process from NW African waters and due to market needs. However, at present there are no assessment or advice requirements. In the WK framework, available information of the species in the West Atlantic waters has been compiled in order to evaluate possible geographical differences and trends, and the feasibility to describe its population structure. Though the Atlantic chub mackerel is not routinely included among the target species in the acoustic surveys performed in the Atlantic Iberian waters and the Mediterranean Sea, a synoptic overview of the species is possible over all its West Atlantic distribution. Moreover, the data available have indicated latitudinal trends, mainly in the landings’ length composition, L50 and the spawning periods. Nevertheless, even if some degree of connectivity likely exists and migrations are occurring between adjacent areas, some subunits could be considered for management purposes. From the assessment models’ trials carried out, the results or reference points obtained for the European fisheries cannot be retained at present. Therefore, continuing collating information from fisheries and biological sampling of the species, obtaining reliable biomass estimations from scientific surveys and identifying management units seem the main priorities to address in future research work and in case of assessment requirements

Role of age and comorbidities in mortality of patients with infective endocarditis

[Purpose]: The aim of this study was to analyse the characteristics of patients with IE in three groups of age and to assess the ability of age and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) to predict mortality. [Methods]: Prospective cohort study of all patients with IE included in the GAMES Spanish database between 2008 and 2015.Patients were stratified into three age groups:<65 years,65 to 80 years,and ≥ 80 years.The area under the receiver-operating characteristic (AUROC) curve was calculated to quantify the diagnostic accuracy of the CCI to predict mortality risk. [Results]: A total of 3120 patients with IE (1327 < 65 years;1291 65-80 years;502 ≥ 80 years) were enrolled.Fever and heart failure were the most common presentations of IE, with no differences among age groups.Patients ≥80 years who underwent surgery were significantly lower compared with other age groups (14.3%,65 years; 20.5%,65-79 years; 31.3%,≥80 years). In-hospital mortality was lower in the <65-year group (20.3%,<65 years;30.1%,65-79 years;34.7%,≥80 years;p < 0.001) as well as 1-year mortality (3.2%, <65 years; 5.5%, 65-80 years;7.6%,≥80 years; p = 0.003).Independent predictors of mortality were age ≥ 80 years (hazard ratio [HR]:2.78;95% confidence interval [CI]:2.32–3.34), CCI ≥ 3 (HR:1.62; 95% CI:1.39–1.88),and non-performed surgery (HR:1.64;95% CI:11.16–1.58).When the three age groups were compared,the AUROC curve for CCI was significantly larger for patients aged <65 years(p < 0.001) for both in-hospital and 1-year mortality. [Conclusion]: There were no differences in the clinical presentation of IE between the groups. Age ≥ 80 years, high comorbidity (measured by CCI),and non-performance of surgery were independent predictors of mortality in patients with IE.CCI could help to identify those patients with IE and surgical indication who present a lower risk of in-hospital and 1-year mortality after surgery, especially in the <65-year group