Spatial and temporal variation of satellite-derived phytoplankton biomass and production in the California Current System off Punta Eugenia, during 1997-2012

The great biodiversity of the California Current System area off Punta Eugenia is supported by high phytoplankton production (PP) caused by coastal upwelling. Satellite imagery was used to characterize the sea surface temperature (SST), phytoplankton biomass (Chlsat), and PP variation in this area during 1997-2012, and to generate a first approximation to its climatology, or an average year. Chlsat and PP had higher values inshore (0-120 km from shore) than offshore. SST had minima inshore and maxima offshore from January through October, with a gradient reversal at the end of autumn. SST often presented spatial distributions with minima and maxima suggesting mesoscale phenomena, such as meanders and eddies. These affected Chlsat and PP inshore. In general, inshore Chlsat and PP were high in March-August (up to >5 mg m-3, and >3.5 g C m-2 d-1), and low in September-February (up to ~1.2 mg m-3, and ~1.2 g C m-2 d-1). Offshore (120-240 km), Chlsat and PP presented similar and relatively low values throughout the whole year, ~0.3 mg m-3 and ~0.5 g C m-2 d-1. Most Chlsat and PP variation was in the annual and interannual periods. Chlsat data from 1998 (El Niño year) and those of 2000 presented significant differences for the inshore region. But, when comparing other El Niño years, there were no significant differences, suggesting that the local impact of ENSO events depend on the type of El Niño, the Pacific decadal oscillation phase, and the incidence of mesoscale phenomena such as meanders and eddies.The great biodiversity of the California Current System area off Punta Eugenia is supported by high phytoplankton production (PP) caused by coastal upwelling. Satellite imagery was used to characterize the sea surface temperature (SST), phytoplankton biomass (Chlsat), and PP variation in this area during 1997-2012, and to generate a first approximation to its climatology, or an average year. Chlsat and PP had higher values inshore (0-120 km from shore) than offshore. SST had minima inshore and maxima offshore from January through October, with a gradient reversal at the end of autumn. SST often presented spatial distributions with minima and maxima suggesting mesoscale phenomena, such as meanders and eddies. These affected Chlsat and PP inshore. In general, inshore Chlsat and PP were high in March-August (up to >5 mg m-3, and >3.5 g C m-2 d-1), and low in September-February (up to ~1.2 mg m-3, and ~1.2 g C m-2 d-1). Offshore (120-240 km), Chlsat and PP presented similar and relatively low values throughout the whole year, ~0.3 mg m-3 and ~0.5 g C m-2 d-1. Most Chlsat and PP variation was in the annual and interannual periods. Chlsat data from 1998 (El Niño year) and those of 2000 presented significant differences for the inshore region. But, when comparing other El Niño years, there were no significant differences, suggesting that the local impact of ENSO events depend on the type of El Niño, the Pacific decadal oscillation phase, and the incidence of mesoscale phenomena such as meanders and eddies

Displasia folicular de la capa negra canina

La displasia folicular de la capa negra, es una dermatopatía restringida a las zonas de pelo negro de perros con dos o más capas de colores. Estudios mencionan haber un problema primario en el folículo piloso, donde está involucrada una herencia autosómica recesiva. El diagnóstico se hace gracias a la historia clínica, examen físico, tricograma y examen histopatológico del área afectada. Reporte del caso. Un canino mestizo de pelo corto, macho entero de 2 años de edad, de pelaje bicolor, se presenta con caída progresiva del pelo en las áreas negras desde el mes y medio de edad. Al examen clínico general no evidenció ninguna alteración fisiológica, encontrándose como hallazgo relevante la presencia de alopecia circunscrita e hipotricosis en las áreas negras ubicadas en la zona temporal de la cabeza y las orejas, apruriginosa, con leve seborrea. Se procede a realizar raspado de piel, siendo éste negativo para ácaros de la sarna, y a enviar posteriormente muestra para histopatología con el reporte de displasia folicular del pelo negro. Conclusión. La displasia folicular del pelo negro del canino es una afección dermatológica de escasa presentación en la clínica veterinaria. Por lo que reportes como éste, permiten demostrar la presencia de la patología, y con ello, aumentar el conocimiento de este tipo de dermatopatía

Displasia folicular de la capa negra canina

Follicular dysplasia of the black layer, is a dermatopathy restricted to areas of black hair of dogs with two or more layers of colors. Studies have mentioned a primary problem in the hair follicle, where an autosomal recessive inheritance is involved. The diagnosis is made thanks to the clinical history, physical examination, tricogram and histopathological examination of the affected area. Case report. A mongrel canine with short hair, a 2-year-old male with a two-color coat, presents with progressive hair loss in the black areas from the month and a half of age. The general clinical examination did not show any physiological alteration, getting as relevant finding the presence of circumscribed alopecia and hypotricosis in the black areas located in the temporal zone of the head and the ears, apruriginosa, with mild seborrhea. Skin scraping is performed, this being negative for scabies mites, and subsequently sending a sample for histopathology with the report of follicular dysplasia of black hair. Conclusion. The follicular dysplasia of the black hair of the canine is a dermatological condition of little presentation in the veterinary clinic. So, reports like this, allow to demonstrate the presence of the pathology, and with that, to increase the knowledge of this type of dermatopathy.La displasia folicular de la capa negra, es una dermatopatía restringida a las zonas de pelo negro de perros con dos o más capas de colores. Estudios mencionan haber un problema primario en el folículo piloso, donde está involucrada una herencia autosómica recesiva. El diagnóstico se hace gracias a la historia clínica, examen físico, tricograma y examen histopatológico del área afectada. Reporte del caso. Un canino mestizo de pelo corto, macho entero de 2 años de edad, de pelaje bicolor, se presenta con caída progresiva del pelo en las áreas negras desde el mes y medio de edad. Al examen clínico general no evidenció ninguna alteración fisiológica, encontrándose como hallazgo relevante la presencia de alopecia circunscrita e hipotricosis en las áreas negras ubicadas en la zona temporal de la cabeza y las orejas, apruriginosa, con leve seborrea. Se procede a realizar raspado de piel, siendo éste negativo para ácaros de la sarna, y a enviar posteriormente muestra para histopatología con el reporte de displasia folicular del pelo negro. Conclusión. La displasia folicular del pelo negro del canino es una afección dermatológica de escasa presentación en la clínica veterinaria. Por lo que reportes como éste, permiten demostrar la presencia de la patología, y con ello, aumentar el conocimiento de este tipo de dermatopatía

Greenhouse effect gases emission implications on sustainability of the Campus of Vegazana, University of León

En este trabajo se presentan los resultados del estudio de emisiones de CO2, uno de los gases más importantes de efecto invernadero, debido a la actividad desarrollada en el Campus de Vegazana de la Universidad de León, para el año 2006. El estudio se enmarca en un proyecto más amplio de cálculo del indicador Huella Ecológica (HE), desarrollado para conocer en qué medida se alcanzan los objetivos de sostenibilidad establecidos para el Campus, así como para el desarrollo de propuestas encaminadas a la reducción de las emisiones de CO2. Los resultados obtenidos reflejan como el área de superficie biológicamente productiva necesaria para absorber las emisiones del Campus constituyen cerca del 99% del área total de HE. La mayor parte de estas emisiones proceden del gasto energético para electricidad (38%) y uso térmico (24%, seguido del transporte (19%) y la construcción del propio complejo universitario (16%, el cual hace referencia únicamente al año 2006, considerando una vida útil de 27 años para los edificios e instalaciones del Campus, inaugurado en 1979. Una vez analizadas cualitativa y cuantitativamente las emisiones producidas, se ha buscado conocer el total de superficie forestal necesaria para absorber dichas emisiones, considerando los datos del Tercer Inventario Forestal Nacional (2003) sobre cobertura de las masas forestales para el territorio nacional, y los aportados por Bravo (2007) en relación a las tasas de fijación del gas por parte de éstas. Como conclusión, puede estimarse que del total de la superficie forestal de la provincia de León, un 0.46% es necesaria como depósito y sumidero del CO2 emitido por el Campus de Vegazana (8.470.168 toneladas. Esta estimación se ha realizado considerando que las masas forestales son las únicas depositarias de CO2, tarea compartida en la naturaleza, no obstante, con el suelo, el agua y los cultivosIn this work, we present the results obtained about the CO2 emissions, one of the most important greenhouse gases, due to the normal activity developed in the Campus of Vegazana of the University of León for the year 2006. This study is all part of a wider project for evaluating the Fingerprint ecological indicator (HE, initially developed for assessing if the sustainability objectives established by the University policies for the Campus of Vegazana have been achieved, as well as the development of proposals and ideas directed towards the reduction of the emissions of CO2. Results obtained showed that the biologically productive area necessary for absorbing all emissions are close to the 99% of the total value of HE. The majority of these emissions come from the energy consumed for producing electricity (38%) and heating (24%), followed by the transport (19%) and the constructions of the buildings and infrastructures of the University (16%, which related just for the year 2006, considering a living period of 27 years as it was inaugurated in 1979. Once analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively the emissions produced, it was developed a method for estimating the total area covered necessary for absorbing them by considering data available from the Third National Forestry Inventory of Spain (2003), related with the forest cover of the territory, and data provided by Bravo(2007, about the absorption rate of the tree species. As a conclusion, we estimated that form the total area covered by forests of the Province of León, a 0.46% is necessary as sink of the CO2 produced in the Campus of Vegazana (8.470.168 ton. This assessment has been achieved considering that forests are the only warehouse of CO2, when actually soil, water and crops are in nature.Peer Reviewe

Diagnostic approaches, aetiological agents and their associations with short-term survival and laminitis in horses with acute diarrhoea admitted to referral institutions

Background: An international description of the diagnostic approaches used in different institutions to diagnose acute equine diarrhoea and the pathogens detected is lacking. Objectives: To describe the diagnostic approach, aetiological agents, outcome, and development of laminitis for diarrhoeic horses worldwide. Study design: Multicentre retrospective case series. Methods: Information from horses with acute diarrhoea presenting to participating institutions between 2016 and 2020, including diagnostic approaches, pathogens detected and their associations with outcomes, were compared between institutions or geographic regions. Results: One thousand four hundred and thirty‐eight horses from 26 participating institutions from 4 continents were included. Overall, aetiological testing was limited (44% for Salmonella spp., 42% for Neorickettsia risticii [only North America], 40% for Clostridiodes difficile, and 29% for ECoV); however, 13% (81/633) of horses tested positive for Salmonella, 13% (35/262) for N. risticii, 9% (37/422) for ECoV, and 5% (27/578) for C. difficile. C. difficile positive cases had greater odds of non‐survival than horses negative for C. difficile (OR: 2.69, 95%CI: 1.23–5.91). In addition, horses that were positive for N. risticii had greater odds of developing laminitis than negative horses (OR: 2.76, 95%CI: 1.12–6.81; p = 0.029). Main limitations: Due to the study's retrospective nature, there are missing data. Conclusions: This study highlighted limited diagnostic investigations in cases of acute equine diarrhoea. Detection rates of pathogens are similar to previous reports. Non‐survival and development of laminitis are related to certain detected pathogens

Survival rates and factors associated with survival and laminitis of horses with acute diarrhoea admitted to referral institutions

Background: Clinicopathological findings and their association with the outcome and development of laminitis in horses with acute diarrhoea has not been investigated in a multicentre study across different geographic regions.ObjectivesDescribe and compare clinicopathologic findings of diarrhoeic horses between different geographic regions, survival rates and factors associated with non‐survival and laminitis.Study designMulticentre retrospective case series. Methods: Information from horses with acute diarrhoea presenting to participating institutions between 2016 and 2020 was collected, and clinicopathological data were compared between surviving and non‐surviving horses and horses that did and did not develop laminitis. Survival rates and seasonal and geographic differences were also investigated. Results: One thousand four hundred thirty‐eight horses from 26 participating institutions from 4 continents were included; 76% survived to discharge with no differences identified between geographic regions. The survival proportion of horses with SIRS and creatinine concentrations > 159 μmol/L was 55% (154/279) compared with 81% (358/437) for those with SIRS and creatinine concentrations  2.8 mmol/L was 59% (175/298) compared with 81% (240/296) in horses with SIRS and L‐lactate concentration < 2.8 mmol/L (p < 0.001). The proportion of horses that developed laminitis was lower in Europe (4%, 19/479) compared with North America (8%, 52/619), Australia (8%, 12/138) and Latin America (11%, 16/146) (p < 0.05). More horses developed laminitis in the summer (46%, 39/85) compared with winter (18%, 15/85), spring (18%, 15/85) and fall (19%, 16/85) (p < 0.01). Horses with laminitis had greater odds of non‐survival than those without laminitis (OR: 3.73, 95% CI: 2.47–5.65). Main limitations: Not all variables were available for all horses due to the retrospective nature. Conclusions: Clinicopathological findings in horses with acute diarrhoea and their association with survival are similar across geographic regions. However, developing laminitis secondary to diarrhoea is less common in Europe. In addition, factors associated with non‐survival were indicative of disease severity and subsequent cardiovascular compromise

A Sensor-Based Methodology to Differentiate Pure and Mixed White Tequilas Based on Fused Infrared Spectra and Multivariate Data Treatment

[Abstract]: Mexican Tequila is one of the most demanded import spirits in Europe. Its fast-raising worldwide request makes counterfeiting a profitable activity affecting both consumers and legal distillers. In this paper, a sensor-based methodology based on a combination of infrared measurements (IR) and multivariate data analysis (MVA) is presented. The case study is about differentiating two categories of white Tequila: pure Tequila (or ‘100% agave’) and mixed Tequila (or simply, Tequila). The IR spectra were treated and fused with a low-level approach. Exploratory data analysis was performed using PCA and partial least squares (PLS), whilst the authentication analyses were carried out with PLS-discriminant analysis (DA) and soft independent modeling for class analogy (SIMCA) models. Results demonstrated that data fusion of IR spectra enhanced the outcomes of the authentication models capable of differentiating pure from mixed Tequilas. In fact, PLS-DA presented the best results which correctly classified all fifteen commercial validation samples. The methodology thus presented is fast, cheap, and of simple application in the Tequila industry.Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; PIAPI 2042Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; PAPIIT IT20091

Clostridium difficile PCR Ribotypes in Calves, Canada

C. difficile, including epidemic PCR ribotypes 017 and 027, were isolated from dairy calves in Canada

Detection of African Swine Fever Virus Antibodies in Serum and Oral Fluid Specimens Using a Recombinant Protein 30 (p30) Dual Matrix Indirect ELISA

In the absence of effective vaccine(s), control of African swine fever caused by African swine fever virus (ASFV) must be based on early, efficient, cost-effective detection and strict control and elimination strategies. For this purpose, we developed an indirect ELISA capable of detecting ASFV antibodies in either serum or oral fluid specimens. The recombinant protein used in the ELISA was selected by comparing the early serum antibody response of ASFV-infected pigs (NHV-p68 isolate) to three major recombinant polypeptides (p30, p54, p72) using a multiplex fluorescent microbead-based immunoassay (FMIA). Non-hazardous (non-infectious) antibody-positive serum for use as plate positive controls and for the calculation of sample-to-positive (S:P) ratios was produced by inoculating pigs with a replicon particle (RP) vaccine expressing the ASFV p30 gene. The optimized ELISA detected anti-p30 antibodies in serum and/or oral fluid samples from pigs inoculated with ASFV under experimental conditions beginning 8 to 12 days post inoculation. Tests on serum (n = 200) and oral fluid (n = 200) field samples from an ASFV-free population demonstrated that the assay was highly diagnostically specific. The convenience and diagnostic utility of oral fluid sampling combined with the flexibility to test either serum or oral fluid on the same platform suggests that this assay will be highly useful under the conditions for which OIE recommends ASFV antibody surveillance, i.e., in ASFV-endemic areas and for the detection of infections with ASFV isolates of low virulence