Protein content and quality of seeds in central mexican maize (Zea mays) accessions

Mexico is the center of the origin, domestication and diversity of maize. This cereal is the main constituent of the Mexican diet, especially in low-income families. In this research, 10 maize accessions derived from a large landrace collection, with the 'INIFAP-QPM' accession and a 'regional landrace' as controls, were studied to identify the accessions with the best biochemical and physiological characteristics showing good adaptation to 'El Bajío' (regional center in Mexico) conditions. The accessions were statistically superior to the two controls in the germination and accelerated aging tests. In the assessment of variable plumule length, variability was observed among the accessions, but the controls showed the lowest values. Protein contents in different fractions (albumins, globulins, prolamins and glutelins) showed variability as did oil and fiber contents. The 'HRH2015' accession showed high contents of albumins and globulins and low contents of prolamins and glutelins. The 'regional landrace' accession exhibited the highest contents of glutelins and prolamins but the lowests content of globulins and albumins. The total percentage of proteins showed variability among the accessions, but the values were within those reported in the literature. The 'RQ2015' accession presented the highest oil content (5.25%). The electrophoretic patterns of prolamins were obtained, and some differences were observed between them. The 'regional landrace' presented the lowest protein content, which was significantly different from those of the other accessions evaluated. This research demonstrates biochemical, germination and vigor variability among the studied maize accessions. Highlights The protein fraction content showed highly significant differences between the accessions, the accession 'HRH2015' presented the highest total soluble protein content. The 'HRH2015' accession contained high percentages of the albumin, globulin and prolamin fractions, but a lower percentage of the glutelin fraction, which is a suitable material for breeding. The accessions 'A2015', 'POL2015' and 'FVR12015' were superior in seed quality, these accessions could be used in a future breeding program.Mexico is the center of the origin, domestication and diversity of maize. This cereal is the main constituent of the Mexican diet, especially in low-income families. In this research, 10 maize accessions derived from a large landrace collection, with the 'INIFAP-QPM' accession and a 'regional landrace' as controls, were studied to identify the accessions with the best biochemical and physiological characteristics showing good adaptation to 'El Bajío' (regional center in Mexico) conditions. The accessions were statistically superior to the two controls in the germination and accelerated aging tests. In the assessment of variable plumule length, variability was observed among the accessions, but the controls showed the lowest values. Protein contents in different fractions (albumins, globulins, prolamins and glutelins) showed variability as did oil and fiber contents. The 'HRH2015' accession showed high contents of albumins and globulins and low contents of prolamins and glutelins. The 'regional landrace' accession exhibited the highest contents of glutelins and prolamins but the lowests content of globulins and albumins. The total percentage of proteins showed variability among the accessions, but the values were within those reported in the literature. The 'RQ2015' accession presented the highest oil content (5.25%). The electrophoretic patterns of prolamins were obtained, and some differences were observed between them. The 'regional landrace' presented the lowest protein content, which was significantly different from those of the other accessions evaluated. This research demonstrates biochemical, germination and vigor variability among the studied maize accessions. Highlights The protein fraction content showed highly significant differences between the accessions, the accession 'HRH2015' presented the highest total soluble protein content. The 'HRH2015' accession contained high percentages of the albumin, globulin and prolamin fractions, but a lower percentage of the glutelin fraction, which is a suitable material for breeding. The accessions 'A2015', 'POL2015' and 'FVR12015' were superior in seed quality, these accessions could be used in a future breeding program

Forest hydrology in Chile: Past, present, and future

This paper reviews the current knowledge of hydrological processes in Chilean temperate forests which extend along western South America from latitude 29° S to 56 ° S. This geographic region includes a diverse range of natural and planted forests and a broad sweep of vegetation, edaphic, topographic, geologic, and climatic settings which create a unique natural laboratory. Many local communities, endangered freshwater ecosystems, and downstream economic activities in Chile rely on water flows from forested catchments. This review aims to (i) provide a comprehensive overview of Chilean forest hydrology, to (ii) review prior research in forest hydrology in Chile, and to (iii) identify knowledge gaps and provide a vision for future research on forest hydrology in Chile. We reviewed the relation between native forests, commercial plantations, and other land uses on water yield and water quality from the plot to the catchment scale. Much of the global understanding of forests and their relationship with the water cycle is in line with the findings of the studies reviewed here. Streamflow from forested catchments increases after timber harvesting, native forests appear to use less water than plantations, and streams draining native forest yield less sediment than streams draining plantations or grassland/shrublands. We identified 20 key knowledge gaps such as forest groundwater systems, soil–plant-atmosphere interactions, native forest hydrology, and the effect of forest management and restoration on hydrology. Also, we found a paucity of research in the northern geographic areas and forest types (35-36 ° S); most forest hydrology studies in Chile (56 %) have been conducted in the southern area (Los Rios Region around 39-40 ° S). There is limited knowledge of the geology and soils in many forested areas and how surface and groundwater are affected by changes in land cover. There is an opportunity to advance our understanding using process-based investigations linking field studies and modeling. Through the establishment of a forest hydrology science “society” to coordinate efforts, regional and national-scale land use planning might be supported. Our review ends with a vision to advance a cross-scale collaborative effort to use new nation-wide catchment-scale networks Long-term Ecosystem Research (LTER) sites, to promote common and complementary techniques in these studies, and to conduct transdisciplinary research to advance sound and integrated planning of forest lands in Chile

Aplicación de un índice de calidad del agua (ICA) en la cuenca del río Ayuquila-Armería en México

Background. The water quality index (ICA) is a practical and useful tool to estimate the quality of water bodies, this method has been used in many countries. Goals. Evaluate the water quality of the Ayuquila-Armería river basin, based on two categories of possible use of the water resource, use in agricultural irrigation, protection of aquatic life and drinking use. Methods. The analysis of physical and chemical variables, analysis of heavy metals and nutrients and the characterization of anions and cations were carried out; In addition, the variables were complemented with the use of a biotic integrity index based on families of aquatic macroinvertebrates, to estimate organic contamination and the determination of fecal coliforms, in the forty sampling sites along the upper, middle, and lower part. of the basin. Results. Of the forty sites, the quality of the water for use in agricultural irrigation presented ICA ranges of regular (35%), good (27.5%) and excellent (37.5%) conditions. Regarding the comparison made for the quality of water for the protection of aquatic life and drinking use, it was found that eight sites (44.4%) present poor-quality conditions, another eight sites (44.4%) present good quality and only two sites (11.11%) an excellent quality condition. Conclusions. For the use of water in agricultural irrigation, there is no site that presents poor quality of the resource, in addition, by using different parameters related to agriculture, it can be ensured that there is no risk of loss or damage to crops by using water for irrigation. In the case of water quality in terms of the protection of aquatic life and potable use, in general the basin presents poor conditions. In this sense, aquatic organisms are sufferingAntecedentes. El índice de calidad del agua (ICA) es una herramienta práctica y útil para estimar la calidad de los cuerpos de agua, este método se ha utilizado en muchos países. Objetivos. Evaluar la calidad del agua de la cuenca del río Ayuquila-Armería, con base en dos categorías de posible uso del recurso agua, uso en riego agrícola, protección de la vida acuática y uso potable. Métodos. Se realizó el análisis de variables físicas y químicas, análisis de metales pesados y nutrientes y la caracterización de aniones y cationes; además se complementaron las variables con la utilización de un índice de integridad biótica basado en familias de macroinvertebrados acuáticos, para estimar la contaminación orgánica y la determinación de coliformes fecales, en los cuarenta sitios de muestreo a lo largo de la parte alta, media y baja de la cuenca. Resultados. De los cuarenta sitios, la calidad del agua para uso en riego agrícola presento rangos del ICA de condiciones regulares (35%), buenas (27.5%) y excelentes (37.5 %). En cuanto a la comparación realizada para la calidad del agua para protección de la vida acuática y uso potable, se encontró que ocho sitios (44.4%) presenta condiciones de mala calidad, otros ocho sitios (44.4%) presentan buena calidad y solo dos sitios (11.11%) una condición de calidad excelente. Conclusiones. Para el uso de agua en riego agrícola no se encuentra ningún sitio que presente mala calidad del recurso, además mediante la utilización de diferentes parámetros relacionados con la agricultura se puede asegurar que no existe riesgo de pérdida o daño en cultivos por utilizar el agua para irrigación. Para el caso de la calidad del agua en cuanto a la protección de la vida acuática y uso potable, en general la cuenca presenta malas condiciones. En este sentido los organismos acuáticos están sufriendo afectaciones tanto en su hábitat como en las condiciones fisicoquímicas que pueden menguar sus poblaciones, por otra parte, las comunidades humanas cercanas a los cauces hídricos serán más susceptibles a tener problemas relacionados con la salud

Yeasts associated with the production of distilled alcoholic beverages

Distilled alcoholic beverages are produced firstly by fermenting sugars emanating from cereal starches (in the case of whiskies), sucrose-rich plants (in the case of rums), fructooligosaccharide-rich plants (in the case of tequila) or from fruits (in the case of brandies). Traditionally, such fermentations were conducted in a spontaneous fashion, relying on indigenous microbiota, including wild yeasts. In modern practices, selected strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae are employed to produce high levels of ethanol together with numerous secondary metabolites (eg. higher alcohols, esters, carbonyls etc.) which greatly influence the final flavour and aroma characteristics of spirits following distillation of the fermented wash. Therefore, distillers, like winemakers, must carefully choose their yeast strain which will be very important in providing the alcohol content and the sensory profiles of spirit beverages. This Chapter discusses yeast and fermentation aspects associated with the production of selected distilled spirits and highlights similarities and differences with the production of wine

Ecological and Physiological Studies of Gymnodinium catenatum in the Mexican Pacific: A Review

This review presents a detailed analysis of the state of knowledge of studies done in Mexico related to the dinoflagellate Gymnodinium catenatum, a paralytic toxin producer. This species was first reported in the Gulf of California in 1939; since then most studies in Mexico have focused on local blooms and seasonal variations. G. catenatum is most abundant during March and April, usually associated with water temperatures between 18 and 25 ºC and an increase in nutrients. In vitro studies of G. catenatum strains from different bays along the Pacific coast of Mexico show that this species can grow in wide ranges of salinities, temperatures, and N:P ratios. Latitudinal differences are observed in the toxicity and toxin profile, but the presence of dcSTX, dcGTX2-3, C1, and C2 are usual components. A common characteristic of the toxin profile found in shellfish, when G. catenatum is present in the coastal environment, is the detection of dcGTX2-3, dcSTX, C1, and C2. Few bioassay studies have reported effects in mollusks and lethal effects in mice, and shrimp; however no adverse effects have been observed in the copepod Acartia clausi. Interestingly, genetic sequencing of D1-D2 LSU rDNA revealed that it differs only in one base pair, compared with strains from other regions

Glutamine dipeptide supplementation improves clinical responses in patients with diabetic foot syndrome

ABSTRACT The effect of glutamine dipeptide (GDP) supplementation in patients with diabetic foot syndrome was evaluated. A total of 22 patients took part in the study. GDP was supplied in 10 g sachets, and was dissolved in water immediately before use, with ingestion once a day, after lunch or after dinner (20 g/day) over a period of 30 days. Quantification of foot insensitive areas, oxidative stress, blood cytokines, and biochemical, hematological and toxicological parameters was performed before and after GDP supplementation. We observed an increase in blood levels of interferon-&#945; (P=0.023), interferon-&#947; (P=0.038), interleukin-4 (P=0.003), interleukin-6 (P=0.0025), interleukin-7 (P=0.028), interleukin-12 p40 (P=0.017), interleukin-13 (P=0.001), leukocytes (P=0.037), eosinophils (P=0.049), and typical lymphocytes (P<0.001) due to GDP administration. In addition, we observed a reduced number (P=0.048) of insensitive areas on the foot, and reduction (P=0.047) of fasting hyperglycemia. Patients also showed increased blood high density lipoprotein (P<0.01) and protein thiol groups (P=0.004). These favorable results were associated with the absence of renal and hepatic toxicity. These results are of clinical relevance, since supplementation with GDP over 30 days improved clinical responses in patients with diabetic foot syndrome

Caracterización de las proteínas de reserva y composición mineral de la semilla de capulín (Prunus serotina)

Black cherry kernels is greatly appreciated and consumed in central Mexico. This seed represents a valuable resource from the economic point of view and nutrition as it has a good content of protein and oil. Despite being known for the amygdalin production of these seeds, people of the region consume it without any problems of intoxication. Storage proteins characterization indicates that it has a high content of albumin. Protein solubility is better shown at pH values 6, 7 and 12. The elemental composition presents levels similar to other seed components such as sulfur (0.11%), phosphorus (0.17%), calcium (0.07%), magnesium (0.13%), potassium (0.68%) and sodium (0.10%); the almond shown a high lipid content (almonds from Mexico city 38%, from Uruapan 45%, from Tarascan Plateau 41.5%) and also shows 28% in protein content. Preliminary studies show differences between the seeds are consumed (central Mexico) and where they are not exploited (Uruapan, Tarascan upland). A further characterization could enable wider use and use in regions where there is now wasted.La almendra de capulín es muy apreciada y consumida en el centro de México. Esta semilla representa un recurso muy valioso desde el punto de vista económico y nutricional, pues tiene un buen contenido de proteína y aceite. Pese a ser conocida la producción de amigdalina por estas semillas, las personas de la región la consumen en buenas cantidades sin que haya problemas de intoxicación. La caracterización de sus proteínas de reserva indica que tiene un alto contenido en albúminas. A valores de pH 6, 7 y 12 se observa la mayor solubilidad de la proteína. En cuanto a la composición elemental, el contenido es: azufre (0.11%), fósforo (0.17%), calcio (0.07%), magnesio (0.13%), potasio (0.68%) y sodio (0.10%); tiene valores similares al de los componentes de otras semillas (cuadro 1), la almendra presentó un elevado contenido de lípidos (la almendra de la ciudad de México 38%, y el de Uruapan 45%, el de la Meseta Tarasca 41.5%) y un contenido de proteína del 28%. Los datos muestran diferencias entre las semillas donde se consumen éstas (centro de México) y donde no son aprovechadas (Uruapan, Meseta Tarasca). El estudio de las propiedades alimenticias, nutracéuticas y funcionales podría permitir un uso más amplio y el aprovechamiento allí en las regiones donde ahora se desaprovecha

First record of Ulex europaeus (Fabaceae, Faboideae) in Mexico

Antecedentes y Objetivos: La especie Ulex europaeus (Fabaceae, Faboideae) ha sido catalogada como una de las 100 especies invasoras más dañinas a nivel mundial. Es originaria del oeste de Europa y noroeste de África y se ha naturalizado en toda Europa y el Medio Oriente. Su impacto ambiental y económico en América está documentado en Canadá, Chile, Colombia y los Estados Unidos de América. Se encuentra en diferentes altitudes y tipos de vegetación. Con este estudio se busca contribuir al conocimiento de la distribución de Ulex europaeus en el territorio mexicano, como una base para acciones inmediatas respecto a su control y erradicación. Métodos: Se colectó material botánico en el bosque templado de la comunidad de Tres Marías, municipio Huitzilac, en el estado de Morelos, México. Para la determinación taxonómica se utilizaron claves dicotómicas y descripciones botánicas. Se realizó una revisión exhaustiva de literatura especializada, se consultaron imágenes, se obtuvieron datos de herbarios virtuales del mundo y se visitaron, para su consulta, los herbarios MEXU y UAMIZ. Los recorridos de campo en el estado de Morelos se apoyaron con proyecciones de ArcGIS. El material colectado está depositado en la colección del herbario HUMO de la Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos. Resultados clave: Los autores registran por primera vez mediante colectas botánicas la presencia de U. europaeus en México. Apoyándose en recorridos en campo y la revisión de varias fuentes de información, hasta el momento solo se ha encontrado una población de 63 individuos de esta especie. La fenología de la especie coincide con lo reportado para otras latitudes.  Conclusiones: Este registro amplía el rango de distribución de U. europaeus. La presencia de esta especie se suma a los factores reales y potenciales que están afectando a la biodiversidad de nuestro país. Es necesario establecer estrategias, acciones de control y eventual erradicación de esta especie invasora.Background and Aims: The species Ulex europaeus (Fabaceae, Faboideae) has been listed as one of the 100 most harmful invasive species worldwide. It is native to western Europe and northwestern Africa, and has become naturalized throughout Europe and the Middle East. Its environmental and economic impact in America is documented in Canada, Chile, Colombia and the United States of America. It is found at different altitudes and in vegetation types. This study aims to contribute to the knowledge of the distribution of Ulex europaeus in the Mexican territory, as a basis for immediate actions regarding its control and eradication. Methods: Botanical material was collected in the temperate forest of the community of Tres Marías, municipality Huitzilac, in the state of Morelos, Mexico. Dichotomous keys and botanical descriptions were used for taxonomic determination. An exhaustive review of specialized literature was carried out, images were consulted, and data were obtained from virtual herbaria around the world, and the herbaria MEXU and UAMIZ were visited for consultation. The field work in the state of Morelos was supported by ArcGIS projections. The collected material is deposited in the collection of the herbarium HUMO of the Autonomous University of the State of Morelos. Key results: The authors register for the first time, by means of botanical collections, the presence of U. europaeus in Mexico. Supported by field trips and the review of various sources of information, so far only a population of 63 individuals of this species has been found. The phenology of the species coincides with that reported for other latitudes Conclusions: This record broadens the distribution range of U. europaeus. The presence of this species adds to the real and potential factors that are affecting the biodiversity of our country. It is necessary to establish strategies, control actions and eventual eradication of this invasive species

Declaración de Morelia sobre bioética en las instituciones de educación superior

https://publicaciones.umich.mx/revistas/devenires/ojs/article/view/83