Suckling, male effect and kisspeptin in the reproductive management of ewes in postpartum anestrus

Objective: To describe the management strategies of controlled suckling and the male effect to reduce postpartum anestrus, and to show the participation of kisspeptin to regulate the effect of both factors. Design/Methodology/Approach: A review of scientific publications was conducted, in order to show the importance of suckling and the male effect as strategies to reduce postpartum anestrus in the ewe, as well as the relation of kisspeptin with both factors. Results: Seasonal anestrus can be avoided with the use of breeds adapted to the local environment, such as Pelibuey. Postpartum anestrus occurs mainly as a result of suckling, since the latter inhibits the pulsating secretion of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and the luteinizing hormone (LH). The exact path of this inhibition is unknown, although it seems that endogenous opioid peptides and kisspeptin are intermediaries. Controlled suckling and the male effect are management strategies that improve the reproductive behavior of postpartum ewes. Kisspeptin regulates the influence of the male effect through the secretion of GnRH/LH. Study Limitations/Implications: To understand the impacts of suckling and the male effect on the duration of postpartum anestrus, as well as the participation of kisspeptin in the regulation of both effects, will allow designing management strategies to improve the reproductive efficiency of the ewes. Findings/Conclusions: Controlled suckling and the male effect reduce postpartum anestrus and improve the reproductive behavior of the ewes; advancing knowledge of the kisspeptin effect could improve the effectiveness of both techniques

Recent Overview of Solar Photocatalysis and Solar Photo-Fenton Processes for Wastewater Treatment

This literature research, although not exhaustive, gives perspective to solar-driven photocatalysis, such as solar photo-Fenton and TiO2 solar photocatalysis, reported in the literature for the degradation of aqueous organic pollutants. Parameters that influence the degradation and mineralization of organics like catalyst preparation, type and load of catalyst, catalyst phase, pH, applied potential, and type of organic pollutant are addressed. Such parameters may also affect the photoactivity of the catalysts used in the studied solar processes. Solar irradiation is a renewable, abundant, and pollution-free energy source for low-cost commercial applications. Therefore, these solar processes represent an environmentally friendly alternative mainly because the use of electricity can be decreased/avoided

Plant Agronomic Features Can Predict Quality and Field Performance: A Bibliometric Analysis

Plant quality and survival prediction tools are useful when applied in the field in different agricultural sectors. The objectives of this study were to conduct a review and bibliometric analysis of the Dickson Quality Index (DQI) as a key plant quality indicator and with respect to its scientific applications. A third objective was to identify the main morphological and physiological parameters used in plant production research. The methodology and findings of 289 scientific articles were analysed based on the morphological, physiological, and mathematical parameters used as plant quality indicators in research on forest, medicinal, horticultural, aromatic, and ornamental species. During the last 10 years, the number of publications that have used the DQI as a plant quality parameter has increased by 150%, and Brazilian researchers stand out as the most frequent users. Forestry is the discipline where quality parameters and their biometric relationships are most often used to facilitate intensive plant production. Use of the DQI increases the certainty of prediction, selection, and productivity in the plant production chain. The DQI is a robust tool with scientific application and great potential for use in the preselection of plants with high quality standards among a wide range of plant species

Trophic models and short-term dynamic simulations for benthic-pelagic communities at Banco Chinchorro Biosphere Reserve (Mexican Caribbean): a conservation case

Banco Chinchorro is the largest reef in the Mexican Caribbean. Historically, spiny lobster, queen conch and over 20 other reef species have been exploited here. Multispecies intervention management from an ecosystem perspective has been developed in this area; however, an assessment of the effects of such practices on ecosystem health is required. Five quantitative trophic models were constructed using Ecopath with Ecosim. The results show that, in terms of biomass, benthic autotrophs are the dominant group in all communities. Ecosystem Network Analysis indices showed that Cueva de Tiburones was the most mature, developed, complex and healthy subsystem, but, El Colorado and La Baliza were the subsystems most resistant to disturbances. The fisheries mainly concentrate on primary (La Baliza and Cueva de Tiburones sites) and secondary consumers (La Caldera, Chancay, and El Colorado). The greatest propagation of direct and indirect effects, estimated by Mixed Trophic Impacts and Ecosim simulations, were generated by the benthic autotrophs, small benthic epifauna, benthic-pelagic carnivorous fish and benthic carnivorous fish, among others. In contrast, the System Recovery Time showed different patterns among subsystems, indicating several compartments that reduce resilience. Considering the structure, dynamics, trophic functioning and ecosystem health of Banco Chinchorro, its ecological heterogeneity highlights the need for the design of a specific (by subsystem) management strategy, particularly because different species or functional groups present greater sensitivity to human interventions in each community

Specific Recognition of Influenza A/H1N1/2009 Antibodies in Human Serum: A Simple Virus-Free ELISA Method

Although it has been estimated that pandemic Influenza A H1N1/2009 has infected millions of people from April to October 2009, a more precise figure requires a worldwide large-scale diagnosis of the presence of Influenza A/H1N1/2009 antibodies within the population. Assays typically used to estimate antibody titers (hemagglutination inhibition and microneutralization) would require the use of the virus, which would seriously limit broad implementation.An ELISA method to evaluate the presence and relative concentration of specific Influenza A/H1N1/2009 antibodies in human serum samples is presented. The method is based on the use of a histidine-tagged recombinant fragment of the globular region of the hemagglutinin (HA) of the Influenza A H1N1/2009 virus expressed in E. coli.The ELISA method consistently discerns between Inf A H1N1 infected and non-infected subjects, particularly after the third week of infection/exposure. Since it does not require the use of viral particles, it can be easily and quickly implemented in any basic laboratory. In addition, in a scenario of insufficient vaccine availability, the use of this ELISA could be useful to determine if a person has some level of specific antibodies against the virus and presumably at least partial protection

Autodesarrollo del pensamiento crítico y la práctica reflexiva en docentes de educación primaria con vivencias de riesgo sanitario

"La contaminación del agua potable con diferentes químicos y metales pesados, liberados de diferentes fuentes antropogénicas, se ha convertido en una preocupación mundial. La contaminación del agua potable es un problema relativamente nuevo pero que va en aumento permanente como resultado del crecimiento demográfico, la urbanización y la industrialización sin precedentes desde la década de 1990 y genera importantes repercusiones tanto para el medio ambiente como la salud humana. Agua potable contaminada y saneamiento deficiente están vinculados a la transmisión de enfermedades como cólera, diarrea, disentería y la poliomielitis. Muchas investigaciones se han hecho entorno al agua y los derechos humanos. Sin embargo, las campañas internacionales por el acceso al agua potable y la campaña contra la privatización podrían aumentar la prioridad política hacia el agua y obligar a los gobiernos y al Estado a asegurar las necesidades básicas de agua. Es por ello que, la aplicación del Índice de Riesgo Sanitario es pieza clave en la detección y definición de zonas prioritarias, buscando evaluar y caracterizar a una población residente en función del riesgo sanitario expuesto. Si bien es el Estado el responsable de velar por la vulnerabilidad de riesgos asociados a todos los servicios, incluyendo el agua, la educación debe comenzar desde los más pequeños, y es allí, donde los maestros y profesores debe fomentar el pensamiento crítico para que los educados puedan ser entes multiplicadores. En este artículo se analizar las definiciones del pensamiento crítico y la práctica reflexiva bajo el acopio de información relacionado con las vivencias de riesgo sanitario en la República del Perú, pasando por el maestro de educación básica hasta los educandos, haciendo un análisis sobre el comportamiento de este fenómeno en el sistema educativo y finalmente evaluando de manera crítica el diseño curricular nacional.

Rutas del Valle, rodadas para el desarrollo del turismo

Un equipo multidisciplinario de distintas carreras del ITESO comenzaron el semestre con la intención de crear un proyecto con el fin de mejorar el turismo en el Valle de Mazatepec. Una vez que los estudiantes tuvieron una idea clara del proyecto, se realizaron encuestas en la comunidad de ahuisculco con el fin de saber si la gente estaba de acuerdo con la idea proporcionada por los alumnos y a su vez, saber cuáles eran las preferencias de la gente. Con la información recabada, el equipo decidió darle forma a dos rodadas que consistirán de aproximadamente 15 kilómetros cada una, saliendo de la plaza de san Isidro Mazatepec con el fin de llegar a la presa de San Pedro de Valencia y regresar al punto inicial. A continuación en el reporte se explica la forma en la que se realizó el proyecto, desde los antecedentes, análisis y conclusiones por parte del equipo sobre el proyecto realizado.ITESO, A.C

Rutas del Valle rodadas para el desarrollo del turismo

Un equipo multidisciplinario ideó un proyecto con el fin de mejorar el turismo en el Valle de Mazatepec. Una vez que los estudiantes tuvieron una idea clara del proyecto, se realizaron encuestas en la comunidad de ahuisculco con el fin de saber si la gente estaba de acuerdo con la idea proporcionada por los alumnos y a su vez, saber cuáles eran las preferencias de la gente Con la información recabada, el equipo decidió darle forma a dos rodadas que consistirán de aproximadamente 15 kilómetros cada una, saliendo de la plaza de san Isidro Mazatepec con el fin de llegar a la presa de San Pedro de Valencia y regresar al punto inicial. A continuación en el reporte se explica la forma en la que se realizó el proyecto, desde los antecedentes, análisis y conclusiones por parte del equipo sobre el proyecto realizado.ITESO, A.C