Ecosystem Services Linked to Water and Plant Diversity in the Igualata Paramo of Hualcanga Region

The present investigation proposes to study the ecosystem services linked to water and floristic diversity in the Igualata paramo of the Hualcanga region; 5 sampling plots of 25 m2 were installed, with 4 subplots of 1 m2. 30 samples of terrestrial vascular plants were obtained, identifying 17 botanical families, 26 genera, and 27 species, and 1 lichen and 1 moss of unidentified family and genus. It was determined that the species that stands out with the highest importance value index was Lachemilia orgiculata with 44.06%, because the species was found in 4 of the 5 study plots. In second place we have Calamagrostis intermedia species with 8.21%, while the species Vicea sp. was the species with the lowest importance value index of 0.50%, being the species with the lowest number of individuals. The Rosaceae family presented the highest index with 39.61%. The Poaceae and Asteraceae families also present dominance in this ecosystem with values of 9.63% and 5.79%, respectively. According to the Shannon index, plots P2 and P4 were those with high diversity, which corroborates with what was obtained in the Simpson index; the Sorensen index showed us that plots P4 and P5 are very similar, plots P1 and P3 are fairly similar, and the remaining plots are dissimilar, which indicated that vegetation can be found in certain areas of the investigation. The water flow supplying the resident families of the region was found to be 8.12 L/s, and its ecological flow is of 0.83 L/s, having a flow that satisfies the needs of the inhabitants. Keywords: caudal, ecological flow, ecosystem paramo, ecosystem services, floristic diverity, indices of diversity. Resumen La presente investigación propone: estudiar los servicios ecosistémicos ligados al agua y diversidad florística en el páramo del Igualata regional Hualcanga; se instalaron cinco parcelas de muestreo de 25 m2 con 4 sub parcelas de 1 m2, se obtuvo 30 muestras de plantas vasculares terrestres, identificando 17 familias botánicas, 26 géneros y 27 especies, además se colectó 1 liquen y 1 musgo de familia, género y especie no identificado. Se determinó que la especie que sobresale con mayor índice de valor de importancia fue Lachemilia orgiculata con un 44,06%, esto se debe a que la especie se encontraba en 4 de las 5 parcelas de estudio, en segundo lugar, tenemos a Calamagrostis intermedia especie con 8,21%, mientras que la especie Vicea sp. fue la que menor índice de valor de importancia presentó con un 0,50% esto se debe a que fue la especie con menor cantidad de individuos. La familia Rosaceae presentó el mayor índice con 39,61%, las familias Poaceae, y Asteraceae presentan una dominancia en este ecosistema con valores de 9,63% 5,79%, respectivamente. De acuerdo al índice de Shannon las parcelas 2 y 4 son las que poseen diversidad alta que se corrobora con lo obtenido en el índice de Simpson; en el índice de Sorensen nos muestra que las parcelas P4 vs P5 son muy similares las parcelas P1 y P3 son medianamente similares y las parcelas restantes son disimiles lo que indica que la vegetación se puede encontrar en ciertas zonas de la investigación. El caudal que posee la Regional es de 8,12 L/s, abasteciendo a las familias y su caudal ecológico es de 0,83 L/s teniendo un caudal que satisface las necesidades de los pobladores. Palabras clave: caudal, caudal ecológico, diversidad florística, ecosistema páramo, índices de diversidad, servicios ecosistémicos.&nbsp

Estrategia educativa mediante las TIC para incrementar las prácticas obstétricas beneficiosas en la provincia del Azuay-Ecuador

La aplicación de prácticas no basadas en evidencias científicas, el incumplimiento de normas de atención establecidas por el Ministerio de Salud Pública (MSP), registro incompleto de datos, escasa capacitación del personal y dificultades en la comunicación, constituyen factores que han obstaculizado el mejoramiento continuo de la calidad de la atención, que se expresa tanto en la aplicación de prácticas inefectivas en la atención materna y neonatal, como en el deficiente cumplimiento de los estándares e indicadores. En estas circunstancias las tasas de mortalidad y morbilidad materna y neonatal continúan elevadas, cuyas causas en su mayoría son prevenibles. En el Ecuador, según el Instituto Ecuatoriano de Estadísticas y Censos (INEC) en el año 2009 murieron 208 mujeres por causas del embarazo, parto y puerperio (96.3 x 100.000 nacidos vivos) como consecuencia de inequidades económicas, sociales, culturales, carencia de recursos en salud y deficiencias en la calidad de la atención. En el estudio “Evaluación de los servicios de cuidados obstétricos y neonatales de emergencia” realizado en las provincias de Azuay y Guayas durante los años 2006 y 2007, con el auspicio de la OPS/OMS, se encontró deficiencias en la calidad de la atención, registros e informes de las atenciones incompletos y desarticulados del sistema de vigilancia epidemiológico provincial. Por otro lado, mediante análisis de bases de datos del SIP de 9000 partos atendidos en los Hospitales Pablo Arturo de Quito,Vicente Corral de Cuenca y Matilde Hidalgo de Guayaquil,se verificaron deficiencias en el cumplimiento de las normas de atención, tales como: uso de administración de hierro y folatos durante el embarazo (48%), VIH solicitado (17.6%), uso de oxitocina en el tercer período del parto (45%), posición supina del recién nacido (53.9%), acompañante durante el parto (27.3%), parto en posición acostada (90.9%), episiotomía (32%), ligadura precoz del cordón (41.3%), cesárea (21.1%)

Marine Genomics: A clearing-house for genomic and transcriptomic data of marine organisms

BACKGROUND: The Marine Genomics project is a functional genomics initiative developed to provide a pipeline for the curation of Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs) and gene expression microarray data for marine organisms. It provides a unique clearing-house for marine specific EST and microarray data and is currently available at . DESCRIPTION: The Marine Genomics pipeline automates the processing, maintenance, storage and analysis of EST and microarray data for an increasing number of marine species. It currently contains 19 species databases (over 46,000 EST sequences) that are maintained by registered users from local and remote locations in Europe and South America in addition to the USA. A collection of analysis tools are implemented. These include a pipeline upload tool for EST FASTA file, sequence trace file and microarray data, an annotative text search, automated sequence trimming, sequence quality control (QA/QC) editing, sequence BLAST capabilities and a tool for interactive submission to GenBank. Another feature of this resource is the integration with a scientific computing analysis environment implemented by MATLAB. CONCLUSION: The conglomeration of multiple marine organisms with integrated analysis tools enables users to focus on the comprehensive descriptions of transcriptomic responses to typical marine stresses. This cross species data comparison and integration enables users to contain their research within a marine-oriented data management and analysis environment

Health and social determinants and outcomes of home cooking: A systematic review of observational studies

Many dietary interventions assume a positive influence of home cooking on diet, health and social outcomes, but evidence remains inconsistent. We aimed to systematically review health and social determinants and outcomes of home cooking. Given the absence of a widely accepted, established definition, we defined home cooking as the actions required for preparing hot or cold foods at home, including combining, mixing and often heating ingredients. Nineteen electronic databases were searched for relevant literature. Peer-reviewed studies in English were included if they focussed mainly on home cooking, and presented post 19(th) century observational or qualitative data on participants from high/very high human development index countries. Interventional study designs, which have previously been reviewed, were excluded. Themes were summarised using narrative synthesis. From 13,341 unique records, 38 studies - primarily cross-sectional in design - met the inclusion criteria. A conceptual model was developed, mapping determinants of home cooking to layers of influence including non-modifiable, individual, community and cultural factors. Key determinants included female gender, greater time availability and employment, close personal relationships, and culture and ethnic background. Putative outcomes were mostly at an individual level and focused on potential dietary benefits. Findings show that determinants of home cooking are more complex than simply possessing cooking skills, and that potential positive associations between cooking, diet and health require further confirmation. Current evidence is limited by reliance on cross-sectional studies and authors' conceptualisation of determinants and outcomes.This work was supported by the National Institute for Health Research, Grant DRF-2014-07-020 (SM)

Rapid reviews methods series: guidance on literature search

This paper is part of a series of methodological guidance from the Cochrane Rapid Reviews Methods Group. Rapid reviews (RR) use modified systematic review methods to accelerate the review process while maintaining systematic, transparent and reproducible methods. In this paper, we address considerations for RR searches. We cover the main areas relevant to the search process: preparation and planning, information sources and search methods, search strategy development, quality assurance, reporting, and record management. Two options exist for abbreviating the search process: (1) reducing time spent on conducting searches and (2) reducing the size of the search result. Because screening search results is usually more resource-intensive than conducting the search, we suggest investing time upfront in planning and optimising the search to save time by reducing the literature screening workload. To achieve this goal, RR teams should work with an information specialist. They should select a small number of relevant information sources (eg, databases) and use search methods that are highly likely to identify relevant literature for their topic. Database search strategies should aim to optimise both precision and sensitivity, and quality assurance measures (peer review and validation of search strategies) should be applied to minimise errors

An intervention to improve outcomes of falls in dementia: the DIFRID mixed-methods feasibility study:A mixed methods study to develop and assess the feasibility of the DIFRID intervention

Background : Fall-related injuries are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in people with dementia (PWD). There is presently little evidence to guide the management of such injuries, and yet there are potentially substantial benefits to be gained if the outcome of these injuries could be improved. This study aimed to design an appropriate new healthcare intervention for PWD following a fall and to assess the feasibility of its delivery in the UK National Health Service. Objective (s): To determine whether it is possible to design an intervention to improve outcomes of falls in dementia; to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of the DIFRID intervention; to investigate the feasibility of a future randomised controlled trial (RCT) and data collection tools needed to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the DIFRID intervention. Design : Mixed-methods feasibility study. Methods : A systematic review (using Cochrane methodology) and realist review (using RAMESES methodology) explored the existing evidence base and developed programme theories. Searches were carried out in Nov 2015 (updated Jan 2018) for effectiveness studies and August 2016 for economic studies. A prospective observational study identified service use via participant diary completion. Qualitative methods (semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and observation) were used to explore: current practice; stakeholder perspectives of the health and social care needs of PWD following a fall; ideas for intervention; and barriers and facilitators to change. Each of these datasets informed intervention development, via Delphi consensus methods. Finally, a single-arm feasibility study with embedded process evaluation was conducted. Setting : Community. Participants : PWD presenting with falls needing healthcare attention in each setting at 3 sites and their carers. Professionals delivering the intervention, responsible for training and supervision and members of the intervention team. Professionals responsible for approaching and recruiting participants. Interventions: A complex multidisciplinary therapy intervention. Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and support workers delivered up to 22 sessions of tailored activities in the PWD’s home or local area over a period of 12 weeks. Main outcome measures: Assessment of feasibility of study procedures; assessment of the acceptability, feasibility and fidelity of intervention components; assessment of suitability and acceptability of outcome measures for PWD and carers (number of falls; quality of life; fear of falling; activities of daily living; goal setting; health utilisation; carer burden). Results : A multidisciplinary intervention delivered in PWDs’ own homes was designed based on qualitative work, realist review and recommendations of the consensus panel. The intervention was delivered to 11 PWD. The study suggested that the intervention is both feasible and acceptable to stakeholders. A number of modifications was recommended to address some of the issues arising during feasibility testing. Measurement of outcome measures was successful. Limitations : Recruitment to the feasibility study was lower than expected and therefore the intervention needs to be tested with a larger number of PWD. Conclusions : The study has highlighted the feasibility of delivering a creative, tailored, individual approach to intervention for PWD following a fall. Although the intervention required greater investment of time than usual practice, many staff valued the opportunity to work more closely with PWD and carers. Future work : We conclude that further research is now needed to refine this intervention in the context of a pilot randomised controlled trial

TRBP and eIF6 Homologue in Marsupenaeus japonicus Play Crucial Roles in Antiviral Response

Plants and invertebrates can suppress viral infection through RNA silencing, mediated by RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). Trans-activation response RNA-binding protein (TRBP), consisting of three double-stranded RNA-binding domains, is a component of the RISC. In our previous paper, a TRBP homologue in Fenneropenaeus chinensis (Fc-TRBP) was reported to directly bind to eukaryotic initiation factor 6 (Fc-eIF6). In this study, we further characterized the function of TRBP and the involvement of TRBP and eIF6 in antiviral RNA interference (RNAi) pathway of shrimp. The double-stranded RNA binding domains (dsRBDs) B and C of the TRBP from Marsupenaeus japonicus (Mj-TRBP) were found to mediate the interaction of TRBP and eIF6. Gel-shift assays revealed that the N-terminal of Mj-TRBP dsRBD strongly binds to double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) and that the homodimer of the TRBP mediated by the C-terminal dsRBD increases the affinity to dsRNA. RNAi against either Mj-TRBP or Mj-eIF6 impairs the dsRNA-induced sequence-specific RNAi pathway and facilitates the proliferation of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). These results further proved the important roles of TRBP and eIF6 in the antiviral response of shrimp

Conteo microbiológico de heces en Cuyes alimentados a diferentes niveles de orégano en el balanceado

Background: Forage and feedstuff technologies with additives contributed to more efficient nutrition of herbivores. To evaluate the microbial content of feces from covies fed with forages and feedstuffs containing various levels of oregano. Materials and methods: This paper comprised two studies, one on El Romeral Farm, Guachapala Canton, the University of Cuenca, located on S 2o45’54”, W 78o42’58”, 2 254 m above sea level; and another at Molihers food processing factory, in Ochoa Leon, on S 2o49’48”, W 78o59’12”, 2 600 m above sea level. The control (T1) consisted of feeds for covies (Molihers); the other treatment (T2) was based on Phytogenics, at a rate of 2 kg/ton. Treatment 3 (T3), used phytogenics (3 kg/ton); whereas treatment 4 (T4) contained phytogenics (5 kg/ton). all the treatments contained 13.5% protein. A completely randomized experimental design was used, along with one-way ANOVA. The microbiological composition of feces was measured. Results: The fecal bacterial burden was reduced (P <0.05) using oregano, in comparison to the control. Conclusions: The nutrition of covies using alfalfa and feeds containing phytogenic additives such as oregano at 3 and 4 kg/t doses of the feed proved effective, the bacterial and parasitic counts in the feces were reduced due to the organic principles in the oregano supplemented. Key words: herbivores, diet, additives, coprology (Source: AGROVOC)Antecedentes: Las tecnologías de forrajes y balanceados con aditivos contribuyeron a una eficiente alimentación de herbívoros. El objetivo fue evaluar el contenido microbiano de heces cuyes, alimentados con forrajes y balanceados elaborados a diferentes niveles de Orégano. Materiales y Métodos: Se realizaron dos investigaciones, una en la Granja El Romeral, Cantón Guachapala, de la Universidad de Cuenca, en coordenadas S 2o45’54”, W 78o42’58” a 2254 msnm, y otra en la Fábrica de alimentos Molihers, en Ochoa León y coordenadas S 2o49’48”, W 78o59’12” a 2600 msnm. Se preparó el Testigo (T1), balanceado para cobayos Molihers; Tratamiento T2 con Fitogénicos 2 kg/tonelada; Tratamiento T3 con Fitogénicos 3 kg/tonelada, y Tratamiento T4 con Fitogénicos 5 kg/tonelada, los cuatro con 13,5% de proteína. Se utilizó un diseño Completamente Aleatorizado y Anova Simple. Se midió la composición microbiológica de heces. Resultados: Se redujo la carga bacteriana fecal (P <0,05) con orégano respecto al control. Conclusiones: Es posible la alimentación de cuyes con forraje de Alfalfa y balanceados con aditivos como el orégano en dosis de 3 y 4 kg/ t de balanceado, ya que se reducen conteos de bacterias y parásitos en heces, producto de efectos favorables de principios orgánicos contenidos en el orégano suplementado. Palabras clave: herbívoros, dietas, aditivos, coprología (Fuente: AGROVOC

Optimal siting, sizing, and enforcement of marine protected areas

The design of protected areas, whether marine or terrestrial, rarely considers how people respond to the imposition of no-take sites with complete or incomplete enforcement. Consequently, these protected areas may fail to achieve their intended goal. We present and solve a spatial bio-economic model in which a manager chooses the optimal location, size, and enforcement level of a marine protected area (MPA). This manager acts as a Stackelberg leader, and her choices consider villagers’ best response to the MPA in a spatial Nash equilibrium of fishing site and effort decisions. Relevant to lower income country settings but general to other settings, we incorporate limited enforcement budgets, distance costs of traveling to fishing sites, and labor allocation to onshore wage opportunities. The optimal MPA varies markedly across alternative manager goals and budget sizes, but always induce changes in villagers’ decisions as a function of distance, dispersal, and wage. We consider MPA managers with ecological conservation goals and with economic goals, and identify the shortcomings of several common manager decision rules, including those focused on: (1) fishery outcomes rather than broader economic goals, (2) fish stocks at MPA sites rather than across the full marinescape, (3) absolute levels rather than additional values, and (4) costless enforcement. Our results demonstrate that such naïve or overly narrow decision rules can lead to inefficient MPA designs that miss economic and conservation opportunities