Termites (Blattodea: Isoptera) of Canada, continental USA, and Mexico: an identification key to families and genera, checklist of species, and new records for Mexico

An illustrated identification key to the North American termite families and genera based mainly on the soldier caste is proposed. A checklist of termites (Insecta: Blattodea: Isoptera) of Canada, continental USA and Mexico is presented, listing 89 species (and two subspecies) grouped in 26 genera and four families. Five species are added to the Mexican termite fauna, these records are for the states of Campeche: Cryptotermes cavifrons; Quintana Roo: Cryptotermes cavifrons, Neotermes holmgreni, Neotermes phragmosus, Neotermes mona; Sonora: Incisitermes banksi; and Yucatan: Neotermes phragmosus. Other 32 new state records are made for the states of Aguascalientes, Baja California Sur, Campeche, Chiapas, Jalisco, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca, Quintana Roo, Sonora, and Yucatan. The species Coptotermes crassus, Coptotermes havilandi, Incisitermes perparvus, Microcerotermes strunckii, Nasutitermes costalis, Incisitermes nigritus and Termes melindae are eliminated from the termite fauna of this region.Se propone una clave de identificación para las familias y géneros de termitas norteamericanas basadas principalmente en la casta soldado. Se presenta un listado de termitas (Insecta: Blattodea: Isoptera) de Canadá, EE. UU. continental, y México, enlistando 89 especies (y dos subespecies) agrupadas en 26 géneros y cuatro familias. Cinco especies son añadidas a la termitofauna mexicana, estos registros son para los estados de Campeche: Cryptotermes cavifrons; Quintana Roo: Cryptotermes cavifrons, Neotermes holmgreni, Neotermes phragmosus, Neotermes mona; Sonora: Incisitermes banksi; y Yucatán: Neotermes phragmosus. Se hacen otros 32 nuevos registros estatales para los estados de Aguascalientes, Baja California Sur, Campeche, Chiapas, Jalisco, Nuevo León, Oaxaca, Quintana Roo, Sonora, y Yucatán. Las especies Coptotermes crassus, Coptotermes havilandi, Incisitermes perparvus, Microcerotermes strunckii, Nasutitermes costalis, Incisitermes nigritus, y Termes melindae son eliminadas de la termitofauna de esta región

Estudio de prefactibilidad para la instalación de una planta empaquetadora y exportadora de aguaymanto (Physalis peruviana) fresco y en pulpa congelada a Canadá

El presente estudio de prefactibilidad evaluó la viabilidad para la implementación de una planta de producción de Physalis Peruviana (aguaymanto) fresca y en pulpa congelada. Se analizó el mercado canadiense mediante encuestas virtuales en sus dos ciudades principales (Toronto y Montreal) y se determinó una demanda específica para el proyecto de 891.514 kg para la línea de frutas frescas y 201.962 kg para las frutas congeladas al 2022. Respecto a la disponibilidad de insumos, se determinó que las principales zonas productoras de aguaymanto en el país son Cajamarca y Ayacucho, y el precio al que los agricultores ofertan el producto es aproximadamente 2.000 soles/tonelada. Para la localización de la planta, se determinó que la ubicación ideal es la ciudad de Paita en el departamento de Piura tomando en cuenta factores claves como la proximidad a las materias primas, costos de operación de puertos marítimos, cercanía al puerto, entre otros. Sobre la ingeniería del Proyecto, se investigó el proceso de producción de la Physalis Peruviana fresca y en pulpa congelada, buscando maquinaria acorde a la capacidad necesaria de producción que en total representan una inversión de maquinarias y equipos de 217.660 soles. Finalmente, se determinó la viabilidad económica y financiera mediante el uso de ratios como el VAN S/ 6.018.810 y S/ 7.895.305, TIR 43% y 76% y período de recupero 3,11 y 1,98, respectivamente.The present pre-feasibility study evaluated the viability of implement a production plant of fresh and frozen pulp of Physalis Peruviana (goldenberry or “aguaymanto”) The Canadian market was analyzed through virtual surveys in its two main cities (Toronto and Montreal) and the specific demand for the project was 891.514 kg for the fresh fruit line and 201.962 kg for frozen fruits by 2022. About the raw materials, it was determined that the main producing areas of aguaymanto in the Peruvian country are Cajamarca and Ayacucho. The farmers sell the berries at approximately S/ 2.000 per ton. In what refers to the plant location, it was determined that the ideal city is Paita (one of the cities of the department of Piura) considering key factors like proximity to raw materials, operating cost of seaports, closeness to the seaport, among others. About the project engineering, the production process of fresh and frozen pulp of Physalis Peruviana was investigated, looking for machinery and equipment according to the production capacity required, which represent an investment of S/ 217.660. Finally, the economic and financial viability of the project was determined through ratios like S/ 6.018.810 and S/7.895.305 of VAN, 43% and 76% of TIR, and a recovery period of 3,11 and 1,98 years, respectively

Efficient Modelling of Ion Structure and Dynamics in Inorganic Metal Halide Perovskites

Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) are nowadays one of the most studied semiconductors due to their exceptional performance as active layers in solar cells. Although MHPs are excellent solid-state semiconductors, they are also ionic compounds, where ion migration plays a decisive role in their formation, their photovoltaic performance and their long-term stability. Given the above-mentioned complexity, molecular dynamics simulations based on classical force fields are especially suited to study MHP properties, such as lattice dynamics and ion migration. In particular, the possibility to model mixed compositions is important since they are the most relevant to optimize the optical band gap and the stability. With this intention, we employ DFT calculations and a genetic algorithm to develop a fully transferable classical force field valid for the benchmark inorganic perovskite compositional set CsPb(Br_xI_(1-x))_3 (x = 0,1/3,2/3,1). The resulting force field reproduces correctly, with a common set of parameters valid for all compositions, the experimental lattice parameter as a function of bromide/iodide ratio, the ion-ion distances and the XRD spectra of the pure and mixed structures. The simulated thermal conductivities and ion migration activation energies of the pure compounds are also in good agreement with experimental trends. Our molecular dynamics simulations make it possible to predict the compositional dependence of the ionic diffusion coefficient on bromide/iodide ratio and vacancy concentration. For vacancy concentrations of around 9 10^21 cm^-3, we obtained ionic diffusion coefficients at ambient temperature of 10^-11 and 10^-13 cm2/s for CsPbBr3 and CsPbI3, respectively. Interestingly, in comparison with the pure compounds, we predict a significantly lower activation energy for vacancy migration and faster diffusion for the mixed perovskites

Regionalización histológica de la glándula dorsal del pecarí de collar (Artiodactyla, Tayassuidae: Pecari tajacu)

Se describe histológicamente la glándula dorsal de machos y hembras del pecarí de collar en tres regiones: craneal, media y caudal. Con las tinciones Hematocilinaeosina y Tricrómica de Masson observamos una clara regionalización morfológica e histológica de esta glándula y se describe por primera vez la presencia de glándulas tubuloacinares en la región craneal de la glándula dorsal del macho de pecarí, cuya función es aún desconocida.Se describe histológicamente la glándula dorsal de machos y hembras del pecarí de collar en tres regiones: craneal, media y caudal. Con las tinciones Hematocilinaeosina y Tricrómica de Masson observamos una clara regionalización morfológica e histológica de esta glándula y se describe por primera vez la presencia de glándulas tubuloacinares en la región craneal de la glándula dorsal del macho de pecarí, cuya función es aún desconocida

Aplicación de nuevas tecnologías para el monitoreo de la contaminación química inorgánica y orgánica en la cuenca Riachuelo Matanza: construcción de indicadores de prevención ambiental

El presente trabajo tiene como eje central el desarrollo de indicadores de prevención ambiental en la Cuenca Matanza – Riachuelo a partir de un muestreo geoestadístico de resistividades a uno y dos metros de profundidad. La zona en cuestión concentra un importante porcentaje de población a nivel nacional (13,5%), lo cual, sumado a la situación actual de contaminación, representa un desafío que precisa de herramientas y acciones que sirvan para lograr mejoras a esta problemática. A partir de un correcto mapeo de la cuenca, utilizando los puntos de la Red de Monitoreo de ACUMAR, se generará un mapa de resistividades y pH que, junto con los indicadores de gestión ambiental que se derivan de los mismos, servirá tanto para el desarrollo de nuevas estrategias de mitigación de la contaminación, el seguimiento de la evolución de dichas estrategias, la obtención de datos e información de interés y para la toma de decisiones de aquellos organismos que se ocupan de la temática ambiental.The main objective of this paper is developing environmental prevention indicators for the Matanza - Riachuelo Basin based on geostatistical samples of resistivity at one and two meters of depth. A significant portion of Argentina’s population (13,5%) resides in this area, which, along with the current contamination levels, poses a challenge that requires tools and actions to improve this situation. Relying on an accurate mapping of the basin and using points gathered from the ACUMAR Monitoring Network, we will generate a resistivity and pH map. Along with the environmental management indicators derived from the Network points, our mapping will be useful both for developing new strategies for mitigating contamination and for following up on the progress of those strategies. It will also contribute relevant data and information for decision-making entities involved with environmental issues

Validation of a Questionnaire to Assess the Perception of Women with Atopic Dermatitis in Family Planning

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a highly frequent chronic inflammatory skin disease. It is important to know how women with AD approach family planning together with their disease. The aim of the present research is to develop and validate a questionnaire for women diagnosed with AD in order to measure their level of desire and gestational information. Materials and Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted. Women between 18 and 45 years old with mild, moderate, and severe forms of the disease were included and disease-free controls. An exploratory factorial analysis of the primary components and varimax rotation was used to measure the validity of the construct. Cronbach’s α was used to measure the reliability of the individual scales and the global questionnaire. Results: In total, 150 valid questionnaires were included. The final questionnaire consisted of 23 items that converged on six factors. The six scales had adequate reliability: “Pregnancy” (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.95), “Conception” (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.93), “Concern- information” (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.82), “Breastfeeding” (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.81), “Sexual life” (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.79), and “Family planning” (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.67). The total Cronbach’s alpha of the questionnaire was 0.94. Discussion: This questionnaire is the first specific measurement instrument developed for women with AD of childbearing age that has demonstrated adequate levels of reliability and construct validity. We consider it useful and valuable to study aspects such as family planning in this patient profile, and that can influence their decision to have offsprin

Magnetic Nanoparticles of Chitosan for Targeted Delivery System of Plasmids to the Lungs

One of the major problems of gene therapy is the efficient, specific, and targeted delivery as well as the safety of the materials used in such systems. The specific targeted delivery of genes to the lung offers the possibility to treat a variety of specific diseases. We developed chitosan nanoparticles with the plasmid pCEM-Luc, which contains a promoter activated by magnetic field. Nanoparticles of 200–250 nm obtained by ionic gelation with a 99% retention rate were transfected in B16F10 cells and in vivo in the lungs of Balb/c mice by intratracheal administration. We observed that an external magnetic field increased the expression of the luciferase reporter gene in B16F10 cells transfected with magnetic nanoparticles and inhomogenized lungs of mice which determined differences in levels of expression between different regions of the lungs (apical or distal and left or right). The highest levels of luciferase activity were observed in the apical left region. The magnetic nanoparticles prove an efficient delivery system to in vitro transfection of cells and lung tissue

Granulocytes-Rich Thrombi in Cerebral Large Vessel Occlusion Are Associated with Increased Stiffness and Poorer Revascularization Outcomes

Acute stroke; Flow cytometry; Mechanical thrombectomyIctus agut; Citometria de flux; Trombectomia mecànicaIctus agudo; Citometría de flujo; Trombectomía mecánicaWe aim to identify a profile of intracranial thrombus resistant to recanalization by mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in acute stroke treatment. The first extracted clot of each MT was analyzed by flow cytometry obtaining the composition of the main leukocyte populations: granulocytes, monocytes, and lymphocytes. Demographics, reperfusion treatment, and grade of recanalization were registered. MT failure (MTF) was defined as final thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score IIa or lower and/or need of permanent intracranial stenting as a rescue therapy. To explore the relationship between stiffness of intracranial clots and cellular composition, unconfined compression tests were performed in other cohorts of cases. Thrombi obtained in 225 patients were analyzed. MTF were observed in 30 cases (13%). MTF was associated with atherosclerosis etiology (33.3% vs. 15.9%; p = 0.021) and higher number of passes (3 vs. 2; p < 0.001). Clot analysis of MTF showed higher percentage of granulocytes [82.46 vs. 68.90% p < 0.001] and lower percentage of monocytes [9.18% vs.17.34%, p < 0.001] in comparison to successful MT cases. The proportion of clot granulocytes (aOR 1.07; 95% CI 1.01–1.14) remained an independent marker of MTF. Among thirty-eight clots mechanically tested, there was a positive correlation between granulocyte proportion and thrombi stiffness (Pearson’s r = 0.35, p = 0.032), with a median clot stiffness of 30.2 (IQR, 18.9–42.7) kPa. Granulocytes-rich thrombi are harder to capture by mechanical thrombectomy due to increased stiffness, so a proportion of intracranial granulocytes might be useful to guide personalized endovascular procedures in acute stroke treatment.Open Access Funding provided by Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona. This work was supported by “Project 355/C/2017, Fundació La Marató de TV3 in Strokes and Traumatic Spinal Cord and Brain Injury, 2017 Call of Projects.

Granulocytes-Rich Thrombi in Cerebral Large Vessel Occlusion Are Associated with Increased Stiffness and Poorer Revascularization Outcomes

Altres ajuts: acords transformatius de la UABWe aim to identify a profile of intracranial thrombus resistant to recanalization by mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in acute stroke treatment. The first extracted clot of each MT was analyzed by flow cytometry obtaining the composition of the main leukocyte populations: granulocytes, monocytes, and lymphocytes. Demographics, reperfusion treatment, and grade of recanalization were registered. MT failure (MTF) was defined as final thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score IIa or lower and/or need of permanent intracranial stenting as a rescue therapy. To explore the relationship between stiffness of intracranial clots and cellular composition, unconfined compression tests were performed in other cohorts of cases. Thrombi obtained in 225 patients were analyzed. MTF were observed in 30 cases (13%). MTF was associated with atherosclerosis etiology (33.3% vs. 15.9%; p = 0.021) and higher number of passes (3 vs. 2; p < 0.001). Clot analysis of MTF showed higher percentage of granulocytes [82.46 vs. 68.90% p < 0.001] and lower percentage of monocytes [9.18% vs.17.34%, p < 0.001] in comparison to successful MT cases. The proportion of clot granulocytes (aOR 1.07; 95% CI 1.01-1.14) remained an independent marker of MTF. Among thirty-eight clots mechanically tested, there was a positive correlation between granulocyte proportion and thrombi stiffness (Pearson's r = 0.35, p = 0.032), with a median clot stiffness of 30.2 (IQR, 18.9-42.7) kPa. Granulocytes-rich thrombi are harder to capture by mechanical thrombectomy due to increased stiffness, so a proportion of intracranial granulocytes might be useful to guide personalized endovascular procedures in acute stroke treatment. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13311-023-01385-1