Bioactivity, nutritional property, and rapid chemical characterization of aqueous extract of Annona muricata leaf from Mexico

Purpose: To investigate the bioactive and nutritional properties, as well as rapid chemical characterization of aqueous extract of Annona muricata leaf from Mexico Methods: The crude aqueous extract of A. muricata leaf was obtained by decoction. Cytotoxicity was tested against cervicouterine cancer cells (HeLa) using methyl thiazol tetrazolium (MTT) assay. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using 2, 2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Nutritional evaluation was carried out according to Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) procedures. Rapid qualitative chemical characterization of the extract was carried out by direct analysis in real-time mass spectrometry (DART-MS) method. Results: The aqueous extract of A. muricata leaf showed cytotoxicity against HeLa cells and also antioxidant activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Nutritional analysis revealed the presence of carbohydrates, vitamin C, Na, and Fe in the aqueous extract. DART-MS spectra showed the presence of alkaloids and phenols as the major components. Conclusion: The cytotoxic and antioxidant activities of the aqueous extract of A. muricata leaf lend some support for its traditional uses as anti-cancer remedy. These activities are probably due to its active secondary metabolites. Thus, the aqueous extract is a source of healthy nutritional components as well as a potential anti-cancer agent for humans

The Mating System of the Wild-to-Domesticated Complex of Gossypium hirsutum L. Is Mixed

The domestication syndrome of many plants includes changes in their mating systems. The evolution of the latter is shaped by ecological and genetic factors that are particular to an area. Thus, the reproductive biology of wild relatives must be studied in their natural distribution to understand the mating system of a crop species as a whole. Gossypium hirsutum (upland cotton) includes both domesticated varieties and wild populations of the same species. Most studies on mating systems describe cultivated cotton as self-pollinated, while studies on pollen dispersal report outcrossing; however, the mating system of upland cotton has not been described as mixed and little is known about its wild relatives. In this study we selected two wild metapopulations for comparison with domesticated plants and one metapopulation with evidence of recent gene flow between wild relatives and the crop to evaluate the mating system of cotton’s wild-to-domesticated complex. Using classic reproductive biology methods, our data demonstrate that upland cotton presents a mixed mating system throughout the complex. Given cotton’s capacity for outcrossing, differences caused by the domestication process in cultivated individuals can have consequences for its wild relatives. This characterization of the diversity of the wild relatives in their natural distribution, as well as their interactions with the crop, will be useful to design and implement adequate strategies for conservation and biosecurity

Estimación de parámetros genéticos para características de crecimiento en borregos Katahdin usando diferentes modelos

Genetic parameters for growth traits of Katahdin lambs were estimated using six variants of the animal model. Data on birth weight (BW; n= 13,099), weaning weight adjusted to 75 d (WW; n=11,509) and postweaning weight adjusted to 120 d (AW; n=6,886) were collected for seven years (2004-2010) in 20 states across Mexico. Analyses were carried out by ignoring or including maternal effects. The simplest model included the direct additive genetic effect as the only random effect. The most complete model included direct and maternal genetic effects, their covariance, and the maternal permanent environmental effect. Selection of the best model was based on likelihood-ratio test. When maternal effects were not taken into account, estimates of direct heritability and direct genetic variance were overestimated for all traits. Direct heritability estimates for the best model were 0.18 ± 0.03, 0.30 ± 0.04, and 0.20 ± 0.05 for BW, WW and AW, respectively. Maternal heritability estimates also varied depending on the model; estimates ranged from 0.05 to 0.23, 0.00 to 0.12, and 0.09 to 0.25 for BW, WW and AW. Ignoring maternal effects in the model would result in inaccurate genetic evaluation for growth traits in Katahdin sheep.Se estimaron parámetros genéticos para características de crecimiento en corderos Katahdin, usando seis variantes del modelo animal. Se usó información de pesos al nacimiento (BW; n= 13,099), al destete ajustado a 75 d (WW; n= 11,509) y posdestete ajustado a 120 d (AW; n= 6,886) tomada durante 7 años (2004-2010) en 20 estados de la República Mexicana. Los análisis se hicieron ignorando o incluyendo efectos maternos. El modelo más sencillo incluyó el efecto genético aditivo directo como el único efecto aleatorio. El modelo más completo incluyó los efectos genéticos directo y materno, la covarianza entre ellos, y el efecto del ambiente permanente materno. Para seleccionar el mejor modelo se usó la prueba de razón de verosimilitud. Cuando los efectos maternos no fueron incluidos en el modelo, los estimadores de la heredabilidad directa y de la varianza genética directa resultaron sobreestimados. Las heredabilidades directas con el mejor modelo fueron 0.18 ± 0.03, 0.30 ± 0.04 y 0.20 ± 0.05 para BW, WW y AW, respectivamente. Las heredabilidades maternas también variaron dependiendo del modelo, de 0.05 a 0.23, 0.00 a 0.12, y 0.09 a 0.25 para BW, WW y AW. El ignorar los efectos maternos en el modelo resultaría en una evaluación genética equivocada para las características de crecimiento en borregos Katahdin

Use of Andromed® and OviXcell® diluents in the processing of sheep semen with the addition of HTF

Objective: To assess the effect of two ovine semen diluents, Andromed® and OviXcell®, on the mass motility, vitality, and acrosomal integrity of spermatozoa processed at different temperatures and with the addition of post-thawed HTF (human tubal fluid). Design/Methodology/Approach: Semen from 2 Dorper ram was used. Four ejaculations per male were collected and diluted with Andromed® and Ovixcell®. There were four treatments with Ovixcell®: 1) fresh Ovixcell®, 2) refrigerated Ovixcell®, 3) post-thawed Ovixcell®, and 4) post-thawed Ovixcell® + HTF. Four treaments with Andromed® were also carried out: 1) fresh Andromed®, 2) refrigerated Andromed®, 3) post-thawed Andromed®, and 4) post-thawed Andromed® + HTF. Mass motility, vitality, and acrosomal integrity were performed with a CASA computer system and statistically analyzed with the GLM procedure of the SAS software. Results: When the effect of Ovixcell® mass motility was assessed, the following results were obtained, with differences (p˂0.05) between treatments: 87% in fresh semen, 72% refrigerated semen, 55% in post-thawed semen, and 68% in post-thawed semen + HTF. A clear difference (p˂0.05) was observed when HTF was added to post-thawed semen (13%). Andromed® behaved in the same way as Ovixcell® (p˂0.05) and a 18% recovery was observed with the addition of HTF. A high percentage of live spermatozoa with intact acrosome was observed for fresh semen (97.8%), while it diminished (p<0.05) as the temperature of refrigerated and frozen semen gradually decreased. Study Limitations/Implications: More experimental units should be used, despite the increase in maintenance costs per animal. Findings/Conclusions: The use of Andromed® and OviXcell® diluents was satisfactory in relation to the mass motility, vitality, and acrosomal integrity in spermatozoa processed at different temperatures (fresh, refrigerated, and post-thawed). Furthermore, the addition of HTF increased post-thawed mass motility

Gaps to bridge: Misalignment between perception, reality and actions in obesity

Aims Despite increased recognition as a chronic disease, obesity remains greatly underdiagnosed and undertreated. We aimed to identify international perceptions, attitudes, behaviours and barriers to effective obesity care in people with obesity (PwO) and healthcare professionals (HCPs). Materials and methods An online survey was conducted in 11 countries. Participants were adults with obesity and HCPs who were primarily concerned with direct patient care. Results A total of 14 502 PwO and 2785 HCPs completed the survey. Most PwO (68%) and HCPs (88%) agreed that obesity is a disease. However, 81% of PwO assumed complete responsibility for their own weight loss and only 44% of HCPs agreed that genetics were a barrier. There was a median of three (mean, six) years between the time PwO began struggling with excess weight or obesity and when they first discussed their weight with an HCP. Many PwO were concerned about the impact of excess weight on health (46%) and were motivated to lose weight (48%). Most PwO (68%) would like their HCP to initiate a conversation about weight and only 3% were offended by such a conversation. Among HCPs, belief that patients have little interest in or motivation for weight management may constitute a barrier for weight management conversations. When discussed, HCPs typically recommended lifestyle changes; however, more referrals and follow‐up appointments are required. Conclusions Our international dataset reveals a need to increase understanding of obesity and improve education concerning its physiological basis and clinical management. Realization that PwO are motivated to lose weight offers an opportunity for HCPs to initiate earlier weight management conversations

Reproductive and productive behavior of hair sheep under an intensive production system

Objective: To evaluate the reproductive and productive behavior of four hair sheep breeds in an intensive production system. Design/Methodology/Approach: Data recorded over 4 years (2016-2019) from a production unit that works with Blackbelly, Pelibuey, Dorper, and Katahdin breeds were analyzed. The following variables were evaluated: fertility, prolificacy, birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), weaned lamb yield (WLY), daily weight gain during lactation (DWGL), offspring born alive (OBA), male offspring (MO), and female offspring (FO). All information was analyzed using Chi-square tests and analysis of variance. Results: The fertility, BW, WW, and WYL variables recorded different values between breeds (P<0.05). The greatest fertility and prolificacy were recorded by Blackbelly, while Dorper recorded the lowest values (P<0.05). BW and WW were highest in Dorper and lowest in Blackbelly (P<0.05). Finally, the sheep that recorded the highest WYL were the Blackbelly, while the Dorper registered the lowest values (P<0.05). BW and DWGL values reached maximum values (P<0.05) in Dorper rams, followed by Katahdin. The greatest number of OBA was observed in Blackbelly and Pelibuey (P<0.05). Study Limitations/Implications: Further studies should be carried out to validate this research. Findings/Conclusions: Blackbelly ewes produced more kilograms of weaned lambs per lambing ewe. The Dorper and Katahdin rams in the pre-weaning period recorded higher weight at weaning

Consecuencias del estrés calórico sobre la reproducción del ganado vacuno

Heat stress represents one of the major environmental factors that adversely affect the reproductive performance of cattle. In this paper the behavioral adjustments, physical mechanisms and physiological responses to heat loss are described; bos indicus adaptive advantages with respect to bos Taurus, pathophysiology of heat stress and heat stress effects in animal reproduction, both the male and the female.El estrés calórico representa unos de los principales factores del medio ambiente que repercuten negativamente en el desempeño reproductivo del ganado vacuno. En este trabajo se describen los ajustes conductuales, mecanismos físicos y respuestas fisiológicas para la pérdida calórica; ventajas adaptativas del bos indicus con respecto al bos Taurus, fisiopatología del estrés calórico y repercusiones del estrés calórico en la reproducción animal, tanto en el macho como en la hembra

Regional development gaps in Argentina: A multidimensional approach to identify the location of policy priorities

Spatial inequalities within Latin American countries have historically attracted the interest ofacademics, policy-makers, and international agencies. This article aims to provide amultidimensional diagnosis of provincial development gaps in Argentina, in order to identifythe location of policy priorities. Therefore, we built a large database, which covers sevendevelopment dimensions, and applied multivariate analysis techniques to overcome someanalytical limitations of previous studies. Results show the stability of provincial developmentgaps between 2003 and 2013 and some heterogeneity within geographic regions. Instead,cluster analysis offers a better classification of Argentine provinces according to theirdevelopment gaps, which can help the government to prioritize the places wheredevelopment policies are strategic.Fil: Niembro, Andrés Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Norte; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Río Negro; ArgentinaFil: Sarmiento, Jesica Isabel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Norte; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Río Negro; Argentin

VAMOS: a Pathfinder for the HAWC Gamma-Ray Observatory

VAMOS was a prototype detector built in 2011 at an altitude of 4100m a.s.l. in the state of Puebla, Mexico. The aim of VAMOS was to finalize the design, construction techniques and data acquisition system of the HAWC observatory. HAWC is an air-shower array currently under construction at the same site of VAMOS with the purpose to study the TeV sky. The VAMOS setup included six water Cherenkov detectors and two different data acquisition systems. It was in operation between October 2011 and May 2012 with an average live time of 30%. Besides the scientific verification purposes, the eight months of data were used to obtain the results presented in this paper: the detector response to the Forbush decrease of March 2012, and the analysis of possible emission, at energies above 30 GeV, for long gamma-ray bursts GRB111016B and GRB120328B.Comment: Accepted for pubblication in Astroparticle Physics Journal (20 pages, 10 figures). Corresponding authors: A.Marinelli and D.Zaboro

LOS IMAGINARIOS SOCIALES Y EL TURISMO: CONCEPTOS Y APLICACIONES

Libro en formato pdfLa difusión y aceptación progresiva de lo relacionado con los imaginarios y representaciones sociales en el entorno académico mexicano, han conllevado a la adhesión de destacados académicos a esa línea de trabajo así como a la formación continua de jóvenes investigadores que buscaron aplicar los temas correspondientes a estudios de caso. Por lo mismo, la publicación se divide en dos partes: la primera presenta las aportaciones conceptuales de autores de varias latitudes de la geografía del país, reuniendo textos de conocidos(as) académicos(as) entre los estudiosos de las representaciones y los imaginarios como (citados en el orden de la publicación) Lidia Girola, Martha de Alba González, Milton Aragón Palacios, Daniel Hiernaux-Nicolás, Ilia Alvarado-Sizzo, Álvaro López López y Víctor Fernando Zamora Águila. La segunda parte que intitulamos simplemente “Aplicaciones” integra los textos de Rosa Adriana Vázquez Gómez, Maribel Osorio García, Carlos Rogelio Virgen Aguilar, Alfonso Zepeda Arce, Mario Alberto Velázquez García, Helene Balslev Clausen y Eloy Méndez Sainz. El lector notará a primera vista la variedad de los casos de aplicación: además del ya citado estudio sobre jóvenes estudiantes, se integra un trabajo sobre Vallarta, otro sobre el nuevo imaginario del pulque y, una reflexión interesante que muestra el potencial de la literatura para analizar el paisaje de pueblo.Universidad Panamericana, Red de Investigación Turística (RIT) y Red Iberoamericana de Investigación en Imaginarios y Representaciones Sociales (RIIR