Efectos de las actividades antrópicas sobre parámetros metabólicos en un bivalvo invasor y otro nativo en el tramo inferior del río Paraná

The relationship between anthropogenic contamination, geochemistry, and the natural dynamics of freshwater ecosystems determine spatial and temporal patterns of water quality. Human activities and the introduction of exotic species are main causes of the decline in biodiversity. The introduction and spread of the invasive bivalve Corbicula fluminea puts the presence of the native bivalve Diplodon delodontus at risk. With oxidative stress indicators, the responses of organisms to changes in physicochemical, natural or anthropogenic variables can be quantified. Our objective was to interpret the effect of changes in physicochemical, polluting or xenobiotic variables on the metabolic responses of C. fluminea and D. delodontus in the Paraná de las Palmas river. In September 2018, a sampling and collection point of individuals was randomly established (60 of the invasive bivalve and 10 of the native) to assemble 10 cages per species at the placement site. In June and September 2019, five cages per species were randomly extracted. In water Physicochemical and metal parameters were determined, and in the organs of both species, the concentration of proteins, glycogen, lipid damage, reduced glutathione content, enzymatic activity of catalase and glutathione-S-transferase. In general, the physicochemical and metal parameters increased significantly from June to September. The metals exceeded freshwater quality guideline levels to protect aquatic life. Regarding the changes in these variables, the metabolic parameters differed between organs and species from June to September. The gills and digestive glands of C. fluminea showed higher metabolic responses and in less time than D. delodontus. Studying an invasive species and a native one with measurements of multiple variables is useful to characterize the environment, in the case of water quality monitoring and conservation studies.La relación entre la contaminación antrópica, la geoquímica y la dinámica natural de los ecosistemas de agua dulce determinan patrones espaciales y temporales de calidad del agua. Las actividades humanas y la introducción de especies exóticas son causas principales de la disminución de la biodiversidad. La introducción y la dispersión del bivalvo invasor Corbicula fluminea pone en riesgo la presencia del bivalvo nativo Diplodon delodontus. Con indicadores de estrés oxidativo se puede cuantificar las respuestas de los organismos a cambios en las variables fisicoquímicas, naturales o de origen antrópico. Nuestro objetivo fue interpretar el efecto de cambios en las variables fisicoquímicas, contaminantes o xenobióticos sobre las respuestas metabólicas de C. fluminea y D. delodontus en el río Paraná de las Palmas. En septiembre 2018 se estableció al azar un punto de muestreo y recolección de individuos (60 del bivalvo invasor y 10 del nativo) para armar 10 jaulas por especie en el sitio de colocación. En junio y septiembre 2019 se extrajeron al azar cinco jaulas por especie. En el agua se determinaron parámetros fisicoquímicos y metales, y en los órganos de ambas especies, la concentración de proteínas, glucógeno, daño a lípidos, contenido de glutatión reducido, actividad enzimática de catalasa y glutatión-S-transferasa. En general, los parámetros fisicoquímicos y metales aumentaron significativamente de junio a septiembre. Los metales superaron los niveles guía de calidad de agua dulce para proteger la vida acuática. Con relación a los cambios en dichas variables, los parámetros metabólicos difirieron entre órganos y especies desde junio a septiembre. Las branquias y las glándulas digestivas de C. fluminea mostraron mayores respuestas metabólicas y en menos tiempo que D. delodontus. Estudiar una especie invasora y una nativa con mediciones de múltiples variables resulta útil para caracterizar el ambiente, en caso de monitoreos de calidad del agua y estudios de conservación.Instituto de Investigación Tecnología de Alimentos (ITA)Fil: Noya Abad, Tatiana. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Química Biológica. Laboratorio de Enzimología, Estrés Oxidativo y Metabolismo (LEEM); Argentina.Fil: Noya Abad, Tatiana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina.Fil: Noya Abad, Tatiana. Universidad Maimónides. Centro de Ciencias Naturales, Ambientales y Antropológicas; Argentina.Fil: Peluso, Julieta. Universidad de San Martín. Instituto de Investigación Ingeniería Ambiental; Argentina.Fil: Peluso, Julieta. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina.Fil: Minaberry, Yanina Susana. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Analítica y Química Física; Argentina.Fil: Minaberry, Yanina Susana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina.Fil: Rojas, Dante Emanuel. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Investigación Tecnología de Alimentos; Argentina.Fil: Cristos, Diego Sebastian. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Investigación Tecnología de Alimentos; Argentina.Fil: Knack De Almeida, Henrique. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Química Biológica. Laboratorio de Enzimología, Estrés Oxidativo y Metabolismo (LEEM); Argentina.Fil: Knack De Almeida, Henrique. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina.Fil: Yusseppone, María Soledad. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; Argentina.Fil: Yusseppone, María Soledad. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina.Fil: Aronzon, Carolina Mariel. Universidad de San Martín. Instituto de Investigación Ingeniería Ambiental; Argentina.Fil: Aronzon, Carolina Mariel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina.Fil: Calcagno, Javier Ángel. Universidad Maimónides. Centro de Ciencias Naturales, Ambientales y Antropológicas; Argentina.Fil: Sabatini, Sebastián Eduardo. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Química Biológica. Laboratorio de Enzimología, Estrés Oxidativo y Metabolismo (LEEM); Argentina.Fil: Sabatini, Sebastián Eduardo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina.Fil: Sabatini, Sebastián Eduardo. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental (DBBE); Argentina

Gonad characterization and reproductive seasonality in Siphonaria lessonii (Gastropoda: Heterobranchia) from the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean

Histological characterization of the hermaphroditic gonad (HG) and seasonality of gametogenesis were investigated in a population of Siphonaria lessonii from the coast of Buenos Aires Province (37°16′S, 56°58′W). Monthly analysis of the frequency of gametogenic stages, as well as the number and mean size of oocytes, were used to determine reproductive events over a 2-year period (June 2012–May 2014). Female and male gametes were observed simultaneously within acini of adult individuals and continuously throughout the period studied. Oogenesis commenced in the beginning of austral autumn, with gonads characterized mainly by proliferation of female cells. From this moment, oocytes gradually increased in number and area until spring, when a large number of individuals were found in the evacuation stage. The same trend was observed from early gonad maturation to advanced stages, indicating that gonad development was closely related to the frequency of oocyte stages and to the area (size) of oocytes. Spermatogenesis was also observed as a continuous process throughout the year, although spent acini were more frequent from November until February. Reproductive seasonality and gametogenesis were associated with changes in temperature and day length.Fil: Knack de Almeida, Henrique. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Giménez, Juliana. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada; Argentin

Vitellogenesis and changes in lipid and protein content of oocytes of Trophon geversianus (Neogastropoda: Muricidae) in Golfo San José (Chubut, Argentina)

The reproductive cycle of Trophon geversianus (Pallas 1774) population from Golfo San Jose´ (Chubut, Argentina, 42330 S, 64330 W) was studied using histochemical methods and digital image analysis. For such purpose, ovary samples were taken monthly between July 2006 and August 2007 and stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Sudan black B (to identify lipids) or Schiff’s ninhydrin (to identify proteins). Four different gametogenic stages were described: oogonias, previtellogenic oocytes, early vitellogenic oocytes, and late vitellogenic oocytes. Two spawning events were registered; one between September and October 2006, and a second one between February and March 2007. Oocyte quality was determined by the changes in lipid and protein composition during gametogenesis. Through digital image analysis, a lipid and a protein indexes (LI and PI) were calculated. Significant differences were observed in LI over month sampled, contrarily to what PI showed. A significant and positive correlation was found between lipid and protein content and oocytes areas, indicating that these nutrients accumulate during the entire vitellogenesis. Also, when dividing the oocytes into two size groups, analysis indicates a positive correlation between LI and oocyte area for smaller area oocytes. This demonstrates that while proteins accumulate linearly throughout vitellogenesis process, lipids accumulate in two steps: first at a growing rate, secondly at constant rate. This information is essential to determine the nutritional requirements of brood stock individuals at hatcheries in this potential fishery resource that inhabits patagonian waters.Fil: de la Barra, Paula María. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Cs.exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental. Laboratorio de Biología de Invertebrados Marinos; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Giménez, Juliana. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Cs.exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental. Laboratorio de Biología de Invertebrados Marinos; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Knack de Almeida, Henrique. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Cs.exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental. Laboratorio de Biología de Invertebrados Marinos; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Arrighetti, Florencia. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Cs.exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental. Laboratorio de Biología de Invertebrados Marinos; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin

Effects of metal accumulation on oxidative metabolism of Mytilus edulis, a commercial relevant mussel in North Patagonia, Argentina.

Context: Bivalve fishery represents an important socio-economic resource in Río Negro province, and Mytilus platensis is the main exploited species. Thus, biomonitoring trace metals in this mussel is particularly relevant for both environmental protection and human consumption. Aim: Anthropogenic pollution and its environmental impact on mussels were experimentally evaluated in situ in two coastline sites of northern Patagonia. Methods: Trace metal concentrations were quantified in the water of a harbour area (Port of San Antonio Este) and a reference site (Isla Mejillón), an extraction location of M. platensis, were quantified. Metal accumulation and its effects on metabolic parameters were also measured in mussels. Results: Higher concentrations of chromium, nickel and zinc in water were registered in the harbour, along with copper and chromium in gills, digestive gland and mantle of M. platensis, were registered in the harbour. Furthermore, superoxide dismutase activity was augmented, whereas glutathione concentration was reduced in the digestive gland and mantle of mussels from that area. Moreover, the highest glutathione-S-transferase activities in mantle and lipid peroxidation, regardless of organ, were also found there. Conclusion: The harbour area has a negative effect on M. platensis and its effects on metal accumulation and oxidative imbalance are organ-specific. Implication: This work provided new insights into metal uptake of a commercialised mussel in a realistic environment in Río Negro province.Fil: Sabatini, Sebastian Eduardo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Noya Abad, Tatiana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Argentina. Universidad Maimónides. Centro de Ciencias Naturales, Ambientales y Antropológicas; ArgentinaFil: Leis, Magalí. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Minaberry, Yanina Susana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Química, Física de los Materiales, Medioambiente y Energía. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Química, Física de los Materiales, Medioambiente y Energía; ArgentinaFil: Yusseppone, Maria Soledad. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; ArgentinaFil: Knack de Almeida, Henrique. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; ArgentinaFil: Genovese, Griselda. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada; ArgentinaFil: Calcagno, Javier Angel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Maimonides. Centro de Ciencias Naturales, Ambientales y Antropologicas.; Argentin

Does homogeneity exist within industrial districts? A social capital-based approach

Industrial districts are made up of enterprises and organisations that are closely related, both physically and cognitively. From the social capital perspective, the district has been defined as a social network with a high degree of internal homogeneity. Nevertheless, good reasons can be found to justify a certain degree of heterogeneity among the member firms and at least two sub-clusters of firms, the 'core network' and 'periphery network', can be distinguished. Taking this idea as our starting point, we analyse the case of the Castellón ceramic tile industrial district in order to gain a greater understanding of these two groups of enterprises and their differences. Copyright (c) 2008 the author(s). Journal compilation (c) 2008 RSAI.

Democracy and economic growth : a meta-analysis

Despite a sizeable theoretical and empirical literature, no firm conclusions have been drawn regarding the impact of political democracy on economic growth. This article challenges the consensus of an inconclusive relationship through a quantitative assessment of the democracy-growth literature. It applies meta-regression analysis to the population of 483 estimates derived from 84 studies on democracy and growth. Using traditional meta-analysis estimators, the bootstrap, and Fixed and Random Effects meta-regression models, it derives several robust conclusions. Taking all the available published evidence together, it concludes that democracy does not have a direct impact on economic growth. However, democracy has robust, significant, and positive indirect effects through higher human capital, lower inflation, lower political instability, and higher levels of economic freedom. Democracies may also be associated with larger governments and less free international trade. There also appear to be country- and region-specific democracy-growth effects. Overall, democracy\u27s net effect on the economy does not seem to be detrimental.<br /

Innovation and economic development

Innovation is often seen as carried out by highly educated labor in R&D intensive companies with strong ties to leading centers of excellence in the scientific world. Seen from this angle innovation is a typical "first world" activity. There is, however, another way to look at innovation that goes significantly beyond this high-tech picture. In this broader perspective, innovation-the attempt to try out new or improved products, processes, or ways to do things-is an aspect of most if not all economic activities. In this sense, Section 1 puts forward the idea that innovation may be as relevant in the developing part of the world as elsewhere. Section 2 discusses the existing theoretical and empirical literature on the subject. An important conclusion is that to be able to exploit technology to their own advantage, developing countries need to develop the necessary capabilities for doing so. But what are these capabilities and how can they be measured? Section 3 surveys attempts to identify and measure capabilities at the national level. However, the development of such capabilities, it is argued, depends in important ways on what firms do. Section 4, therefore, focuses on recent attempts to survey innovation activity in firms in developing countries and what can be learnt from that. Section 5 discusses the role of domestic versus foreign sources in fostering innovation in the developing part of the world. The final section summarizes the main lessons. copy; 2010 Elsevier B.V