Characterization of bacterial diversity and capacity to remove lead of a consortium from mining soil / Caracterización de la diversidad bacteriana y capacidad de remoción de plomo de un consorcio en suelo minero

Introduction: At present, the presence of lead (Pb2+) continues to be a problem in water bodies due to its continuous use and high toxicity. The aim of this study was to investigate the bacterial diversity of a potential consortium used as a biosorbent for the removal of lead in an aqueous solution. Methods: The minimum inhibitory concentration and the mean lethal dose of the consortium were determined, and then the optimal variables of pH and temperature for the removal process were obtained. With the optimal conditions, the kinetic behavior was evaluated, and adjustments were made to different mathematical models. A Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis was performed to determine the functional groups of the biomass participating in the removal process, and the diversity of the bacterial consortium was evaluated during Pb2+ removal by an Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine System. Results: It was found that the intraparticle diffusion model was the one that described the adsorption kinetics showing a higher rate constant with a higher concentration of Pb2+, while the Langmuir model was that explained the isotherm at 35 °C, defining a maximum adsorption load for the consortium of 54 mg/g. In addition, it was found that Pb2+ modified the diversity and abundance of the bacterial consortium, detecting genera such as Pseudomonas, Enterobacter, Citrobacter, among others. Conclusions: Thus, it can be concluded that the bacterial consortium from mining soil was a biosorbent with the ability to tolerate high concentrations of Pb2+ exposure. The population dynamics during adsorption showed enrichment of Proteobacteria phyla, with a wide range of bacterial families and genera capable of resisting and removing Pb2+ in solution.(AU)

¿Cómo influyen los buitres en la salud humana? / How do vultures influence human health?

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High diversity and novelty of Actinobacteria isolated from the coastal zone of the geographically remote young volcanic Easter Island, Chile

Easter Island is an isolated volcanic island in the Pacific Ocean. Despite the extended knowledge about its origin, flora, and fauna, little is known about the bacterial diversity inhabiting this territory. Due to its isolation, Easter Island can be considered as a suitable place to evaluate microbial diversity in a geographically isolated context, what could shed light on actinobacterial occurrence, distribution, and potential novelty. In the present study, we performed a comprehensive analysis of marine Actinobacteria diversity of Easter Island by studying a large number of coastal sampling sites, which were inoculated into a broad spectrum of different culture media, where most important variations in composition included carbon and nitrogen substrates, in addition to salinity. The isolates were characterized on the basis of 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. High actinobacterial diversity was recovered with a total of 163 pure cultures of Actinobacteria representing 72 phylotypes and 20 genera, which were unevenly distributed in different locations of the island and sample sources. The phylogenetic evaluation indicated a high degree of novelty showing that 45% of the isolates might represent new taxa. The most abundant genera in the different samples were Micromonospora, Streptomyces, Salinispora, and Dietzia. Two aspects appear of primary importance in regard to the high degree of novelty and diversity of Actinobacteria found. First, the application of various culture media significantly increased the number of species and genera obtained. Second, the geographical isolation is considered to be of importance regarding the actinobacterial novelty found

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Microbioma y secuenciación masiva / Microbiome and next generation sequencing

El microbioma humano es un ecosistema interno constituido por el hombre y los microorganismos que en él conviven, microorganismos esenciales para mantener su salud, pues junto con el sistema inmunológico protegen frente a patógenos invasores y mantienen la salud. La base de la microbiología tradicional ha sido el cultivo bacteriano, sin embargo la mayoría de los microorganismos observables en la naturaleza, no se cultivan mediante técnicas habituales, por ello en la actualidad, la era molecular ha permitido identificar estos microorganismos en base a su huella genética, gracias a la metagenómica. La subunidad 16S del ARN ribosomal es considerada como la diana universal para la identificación bacteriana a partir del ADN, con la ayuda de la secuenciación. El método de Sanger o secuenciación de primera generación terminó imponiéndose por su sencillez y precisión, posteriormente se desarrolló la segunda generación, o de alto rendimiento capaz de generar cientos de miles de reacciones de secuencias de manera más rápida y económica, sin embargo, es la secuenciación de tercera generación, la que lleva al límite los avances de la nanotecnología. Con la utilización del gen de referencia, las técnicas de secuenciación masiva y las herramientas bioinformáticas para el tratamiento de datos, se ha podido conseguir una información sobre el microbioma humano, con un nivel de detalle sin precedente en cuanto a taxonomía y función de los microorganismos, lo que ha supuesto una autentica revolución no solo en su conocimiento sino también en su implicación en la salud o de enfermedad del ser humano (AU)

The human microbiome is an internal ecosystem that refers to the community of microorganisms that populate the human body. These microorganisms are essential to support his health, because the interaction between the host immune system and microorganisms, provide the host with protection against pathogens, and contributes to the preservation of health. Bacteriological culture has been the basis for traditional microbiology; however, most of the bacterial forms observed in nature cannot be isolated with laboratory culture methods. At present, metagenomic applies a suite of genomic technologies, where the microorganisms are identified by their genomic fingerprint. The 16S rRNA subunit is considered as the universal target for bacterial identification from DNA with the aid of sequencing. Sanger sequencing technology had a great impact on the first generation sequencing due to its simplicity and precision. Platforms high-throughput known as second generation sequencing technologies are capable to generate hundreds of thousands of sequence reactions in a faster and economic way. However, thanks to the third generation sequencing the greatest advances in nanotechnology have been made. Using the reference gene, the massive sequencing techniques and bioinformatics tools used for the data processing, there has been an important development of the human microbiome, achieving an unprecedented detail level on the taxonomy and microbial function. This has meant an authentic revolution not only in their knowledge but also in their involvement in the health or illness of the human being (AU)

Impact of pollution on the microbial diversity of a tropical river in an urbanized region of northeastern Brazil

Rivers are important ecosystems that are integrated into biogeochemical cycles and constitute an essential resource for numerous human uses. However, the assessment of the biological diversity and composition of microbial communities found in rivers remains incomplete, partly due to methodological constraints which are only recently being resolved with the advent of next generation sequencing (NGS) techniques. Using 454-pyrosequencing of the 16S gene, the present study analyzed the microbial diversity of the planktonic and sediment populations in a tropical river in northeastern Brazil that is exposed to severe pollution. Six water and six sediment samples were analysed. The dominant bacterial phyla in both sediment and water were the Proteobacteria, followed by Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria in the water column and by Chloroflexi and Acidobacteria in the sediment. Biological diversity appeared to be greatly decreased by environmental pollution, whereas the microbial community structure was variable across the analyzed transect. Moreover, a narrow relationship between industrial and urban sources of contamination and the bacterial genera detected at these sites has been observed. A variety of potentially pathogenic bacteria was detected, including Klebsiella, Treponema, Faecalibacterium and Enterococcus, indicating that the river might pose a substantial risk to public health (AU)

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Insights into the fecal microbiota of captive Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus)

The Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) is an endangered species restricted to several areas of Spain and Portugal. Its low genetic diversity likely provokes immune depression and high susceptibility to infectious diseases. The intestinal microbiota is closely related to host health and nutrition. In order to contribute to the knowledge of the Iberian lynx intestinal microbiota, fecal microbiota of captive specimens from two breeding centers («La Olivilla» and «El Acebuche»), located in Southern Spain, were studied by Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE). Results grouped microbiota in two main clusters (I and III) which included DGGE patterns of 19 out of 36 specimens, cluster I being the most frequent in «La Olivilla» (50%) and cluster III in «El Acebuche» (55.55 %) specimens. Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria phyla were identified. Segregation of clusters I and III was attributed to different microorganism presence (Pseudomonas koreensis, Pseudomonas migulae, Carnobacterium sp., Arthrobacter, Robinsoniella peorensis and Ornithinibacillus sp.) and ability to use different carbon sources. Biolog EcoPlates® results indicate high functional diversity of fecal microbiota, it being higher in cluster III. The great impact of intestinal microbiota on host health supports the importance of its microbial composition understanding. This study is the first report of captive Iberian lynx fecal microbiota composition (AU)

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Bioética global y ética biocultural / Global bioethics and biocultural ethics

La ética biocultural recupera una comprensión de los vínculos vitales entre los hábitos de vida de los co-habitantes (humanos y otros-que-humanos) que comparten un hábitat. El marco formal de las «3Hs» de la ética biocultural nos entrega una herramienta conceptual y metodológica para comprender y también para administrar de mejor manera sistemas ecosociales o bioculturales en las heterogéneas regiones del planeta. A partir de la bioética global originalmente propuesta por V.R. Potter, la integración de teoría y praxis impulsada por Alfredo Pradenas en la Sociedad de Bioética de Chile, y el marco conceptual de la ética biocultural (incluyendo tradiciones de pensamiento filosófico, científico y amerindio), realizo un análisis comparativo sobre: (I) una concepción ecosistémica e intercultural del cuerpo humano, (II) una comprensión intercultural de la salud con prácticas complementarias de medicina amerindia y occidental, y (III) un aprecio y respeto por los vínculos fundamentales entre los hábitos de vida, los hábitats donde tienen lugar, y el bienestar e identidad de las comunidades de cohabitantes. Los vínculos implícitos en las «3Hs» de la ética biocultural están presentes en los significados primigenios del término ethos. Esta comprensión recupera una raíz primaria en la génesis de la ética occidental, que no surgió acotada al cómo habitar o morar humano, sino que consideró también el dónde habitar y con quiénes co-habitar. Propongo restaurar la complejidad y amplitud del concepto de ética fraguado en la Antigua Grecia, reafirmar las raíces comunes de la bioética y la ética ambiental contenidas en la bioética global potteriana, e incorporar la perspectiva sistémica y contextual de la ética biocultural que valora la diversidad biológica y cultural (y sus interrelaciones), para sostener una concepción de la salud humana interconectada con la sustentabilidad de la biosfera

The biocultural ethic recovers an understanding of the vital links between the life habits of the coinhabitants (humans and other-than-human) that share a habitat. The «3Hs» formal framework of the biocultural ethics provides a conceptual and methodological tool to understand and to better manage complex eco-social or biocultural systems in heterogeneous regions of the planet. From the global bioethics originally proposed by V.R. Potter, the integration of theory and praxis promoted by Alfredo Pradenas in the Bioethics Society of Chile, and the conceptual framework of biocultural ethics (including traditions of philosophical thought, scientific and Amerindians), I develop a comparative analysis of: (I) an ecosystemic and intercultural concept of the human body, (II) an intercultural understanding of health with complementary Western and Native American medicinal practices, and (III) an appreciation and respect for the fundamental links among the life habits, the habitats where they take place, and the well-being and identity of the communities of cohabitants. Implicit links in the «3Hs» biocultural ethics are present in the archaic meanings of the term ethos. This understanding retrieves a primordial root in the genesis of Western ethics, which did not start bounded to how to inhabit or dwell, but also considered where to inhabit and with whom to co-inhabit. I propose to restore the complexity and breadth of the concept of ethics originated in Ancient Greece, to reaffirm the common roots of bioethics and environmental ethics contained in Potter’s global bioethics, and to incorporate the systemic and contextual perspective of the biocultural ethic that values biological and cultural diversity (and their interrelationships), to sustain a conception of human health interconnected with the sustainability of the biosphere

Microbiología del agua mineromedicinal del Balneario de Villavieja / Microbiology of the natural mineral water of Villavieja Spa

Se ha estudiado la microbiota autóctona y alóctona del agua mineromedicinal del Balneario de Villavieja (Castellón). El número total de microorganismos en el agua ha sido de 4,7 x104/mL y el número de bacterias viables heterótrofas y oligotrofas de 103 ufc/mL. No se han encontrado indicadores fecales ni microorganismos patógenos en 250 mL de agua. La microbiota autóctona está constituida, principalmente, por bacilos Gram negativos no fermentadores del Phylum Proteobacteria (64,4%) y, en menor proporción, por bacilos Gram positivos (24,4 %) y cocos Gram positivos (6,7 %). Las especies más frecuentes han sido Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes (15,5 %) y Leifsonia aquatica (13,3 %). Se han detectado bacterias con actividades amonificantes, proteolíticas, amilolíticas y sulfato‐reductoras en 100 mL de agua que contribuyen a la autodepuración del agua (AU)

The autochthonous and alocthonous microbiota of the natural mineral water of Villavieja Spa have been studied. The total number of microorganisms in the water was of 4.7 x104 /mL and the number of heterotrophic and oligotrophic viable bacteria was 103 cfu/mL. Neither faecal indicators nor pathogenic microorganisms were found in 250 mL of water. The autochthonous microbiota mostly belongs to Gram‐negative bacilli, from the Phylum Proteobacteria (64.4%) and in smaller percentage to the Gram‐positive bacilli (24.4%) and cocci (6.7%). The most frequently found species were Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes (15.5%) and Leifsonia aquatica (13.3%). Moreover ammonifying, proteolytic, amylolytic and sulphato‐reducted bacteria have been detected in 100 mL of water, all of them involved in self‐purification process of water (AU)

Archaeal and bacterial diversity in two hot springs from geothermal regions in Bulgaria as demostrated by 16S rRNA and GH-57 genes

Archaeal and bacterial diversity in two Bulgarian hot springs, geographically separated with different tectonic origin and different temperature of water was investigated exploring two genes, 16S rRNA and GH-57. Archaeal diversity was significantly higher in the hotter spring Levunovo (LV) (82°C); on the contrary, bacterial diversity was higher in the spring Vetren Dol (VD) (68°C). The analyzed clones from LV library were referred to twenty eight different sequence types belonging to five archaeal groups from Crenarchaeota and Euryarchaeota. A domination of two groups was observed, Candidate Thaumarchaeota and Methanosarcinales. The majority of the clones from VD were referred to HWCG (Hot Water Crenarchaeotic Group). The formation of a group of thermophiles in the order Methanosarcinales was suggested. Phylogenetic analysis revealed high numbers of novel sequences, more than one third of archaeal and half of the bacterial phylotypes displayed similarity lower than 97% with known ones. The retrieved GH-57 gene sequences showed a complex phylogenic distribution. The main part of the retrieved homologous GH-57 sequences affiliated with bacterial phyla Bacteroidetes, Deltaproteobacteria, Candidate Saccharibacteria and affiliation of almost half of the analyzed sequences is not fully resolved. GH-57 gene analysis allows an increased resolution of the biodiversity assessment and in depth analysis of specific taxonomic groups (AU)

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A diez años de la Declaración Universal de la UNESCO sobre Bioética y Derechos Humanos: sus méritos y su futuro / No disponible

El pasado octubre se cumplían diez años de la Declaración Universal sobre Bioética y Derechos Humanos dela UNESCO, documento que resultó crucial para la Bioética. Fruto de una prolija elaboración en cuyo proceso se produjeron controversias y debates, mostrando nuevos caminos a recorrer. Todo ello ha llevado al autor a realizar un primer análisis sobre sus logros y sus metas de futuro (AU)

During the last October, we celebrated the 10th anniversary of The Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights of UNESCO. This Declaration was particularly important for bioethics discourse. The result of a meticulous preparation process in which there were controversies and debates, showing new paths to follow. All of this has led the author to make a first analysis of their achievements and future goals (AU)

Nematophagous fungi from decomposing cattle faeces in Argentina / Hongos nematófagos en heces bovinas en descomposición en Argentina

Background. Biological control of gastrointestinal nematodes of ruminants by use of nematophagous fungi would become part of any livestock parasite integral control system. Identifying autochthonous species that could then be selected for mass production is an important phase in the practical use of biological control. Aims. To search for nematophagous fungi with potential use as biological control agents against gastrointestinal nematodes in Argentina. Methods. Decomposing cattle faeces sampled in different locations were incubated in water agar 2% with Panagrellus sp. The developed nematophagous fungi were transferred to new water agar 2% plates and then to corn meal agar plates in order to carry out their identification. Fungal diversity and richness were also assessed. Results. Seventeen species from nine genera of nematophagous fungi were found. Twelve species were nematode-trapping fungi and three species plus two fungi identified to genus level corresponded to endoparasitic fungi. Arthrobotrys conoides, Arthrobotrys oligospora, Duddingtonia flagrans, Monacrosporium doedycoides, Arthrobotrys robusta and Drechmeria coniospora were the most frequently isolated species overall in the whole study (6.6%, 5.7%, 5.7%, 5.7%, 4.7% and 4.7%, respectively) although other species were more frequently recorded at local levels such as Arthrobotrys pyriformis (18.8%). Only A. conoides has been previously isolated from ruminant faecal samples in Argentina. Five nematode-trapping fungal species are mentioned for the first time in the Americas. Conclusions. D. flagrans and A. conoides, both identified in the present study, are among the most promising ones as biological control agents against gastrointestinal nematodes of ruminants (AU)

Antecedentes. El control biológico de los nematodos gastrointestinales de los rumiantes mediante hongos nematófagos es una herramienta a considerar en los sistemas integrados de control parasitario del ganado. La identificación de las especies autóctonas de estos hongos que puedan ser seleccionadas para producción masiva es de gran importancia en el uso práctico del control biológico. Objetivos. Llevar a cabo una búsqueda de hongos nematófagos de uso potencial como agentes de control biológico contra nematodos gastrointestinales en Argentina. Métodos. Se trabajó con muestras de heces bovinas en descomposición obtenidas en diferentes lugares. Las heces se incubaron en agar agua 2% con Panagrellus sp. Los hongos nematófagos desarrollados se transfirieron a nuevas placas con agar agua 2% y luego a placas con agar harina de maíz para su identificación. También se estableció la diversidad y riqueza fúngicas. Resultados. Se aislaron diecisiete especies de hongos nematófagos, comprendidas en nueve géneros. Doce resultaron ser hongos depredadores, mientras que otras tres especies y dos hongos identificados hasta género eran hongos endoparásitos. Arthrobotrys conoides, Arthrobotrys oligospora, Duddingtonia flagrans, Monacrosporium doedycoides, Arthrobotrys robusta y Drechmeria coniospora fueron las especies más aisladas más en todo el estudio (6.6%, 5.7%, 5.7%, 5.7%, 4.7% y 4.7%, respectivamente), aunque otras especies aparecieron más frecuentemente de manera local, como Arthrobotrys pyriformis (18.8%). Solamente Arthrobotrys conoides se había aislado previamente en Argentina a partir de heces bovinas. Cinco especies depredadoras se mencionan por primera vez en toda América. Conclusiones. D. flagrans y A. conoides, dos de las especies aisladas en el presente estudio, se encuentran entre las más prometedoras como agentes de control biológico de nematodos gastrointestinales de rumiantes (AU)

Diálogo de saberes ambientales entre Europa-América. Agroecosistemas oasianos en Baja California Sur s. XVIII-XX / Environmental knowledge dialogue between Wurope and Latin American. Agroecosustems oasiens in Baja California Sur s. XVIII-XX

Desde hace más de dos siglos, las Comunidades Oasianas de Baja California Sur han estado viviendo en íntima conexión con su medio ambiente. Con la llegada de los Jesuitas se produjo un intenso proceso de exterminio biocultural de los saberes sociambientales de esas comunidades, repoblando estas huertas y llanos con población -en muchos casos colonos- procedentes del sur de España-, redimensionado la identidad territorial como ranchera que gestionó los ecosistemas bajo pautas de autosuficiencia y subconsumo, dadas las fuertes constricciones socioambientales de agroecosistemas sudcalifornianos. A inicios del siglo XXI, las comunidades oasianas luchan contra la pérdida de sus saberes comunitarios, enclavados en edenes de enorme potencial biocultural, rescatando y manteniendo los cultivos traídos con la llegada de los jesuitas. Este marco nos permite describir un proceso de colonización de los ecosistemas a lo largo de los dos últimos siglos (AU)

During two centuries, Oasis Communities of Baja California had been living in a intense connection with their environment. With the arrival of Jesuits, a deep extermination of biocultural heritage and socioenvironmental knowledges of these communities, repopulating of vegetable garden and drylands with people - in many cases, settler from the south of Spain - reconstructing the territorial identity as ranchera to manage the ecosystems under pattern of self-competence and under-consumption, due to the strong environmental constraints of lower california agro-ecosystem. At the beginning of XXIth century, Oasis Communities are fighting against the loss of community heritage, embedded in Eden with enormous bio-cultural dimension, rescuing and keeping crops from Europe with the Jesuits arrival. This frame allow us to draw a colonization process of ecosystems during contemporary age (AU)

Aquatic bacterial assemblage structure in Pozas Azules, Cuatro Cienegas Basin, Mexico: Deterministic vs. stochastic processes

The aim of this study was to determine the contributions of stochastic vs. deterministic processes in the distribution of microbial diversity in four ponds (Pozas Azules) within a temporally stable aquatic system in the Cuatro Cienegas Basin, State of Coahuila, Mexico. A sampling strategy for sites that were geographically delimited and had low environmental variation was applied to avoid obscuring distance effects. Aquatic bacterial diversity was characterized following a cultureindependent approach (16S sequencing of clone libraries). The results showed a correlation between bacterial beta diversity (1-Sorensen) and geographic distance (distance decay of similarity), which indicated the influence of stochastic processes related to dispersion in the assembly of the ponds’ bacterial communities. Our findings are the first to show the influence of dispersal limitation in the prokaryotic diversity distribution of Cuatro Cienegas Basin (AU)

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Selected wild strains of Agaricus bisporus produce high yields of mushrooms at 25 °C / Cepas silvestres seleccionadas de Agaricus bisporus con capacidad para producir un alto rendimiento a temperaturas de 25°C

Background. To cultivate the button mushroom Agaricus bisporus in warm countries or during summer in temperate countries, while saving energy, is a challenge that could be addressed by using the biological diversity of the species. Aims. The objective was to evaluate the yield potential of eight wild strains previously selected in small scale experiments for their ability to produce mature fruiting bodies at 25 °C and above. Methods. Culture units of 8 kg of compost were used. The yield expressed as weight or number per surface unit and earliness of fruiting were recorded during cultivation in climatic rooms at 17, 25 or 30 °C. Results. Only strains of A. bisporus var. burnettii were able to fruit at 30 °C. At 25 °C they produced the highest yields (27 kg m−2) and had best earliness. The yields at 25 °C for the strains of A. bisporus var. bisporus ranged from 12 to 16 kg m−2. The yield ratios 25 °C/17 °C ranged from 0.8 to 1.2. Conclusions. The variety burnettii originated in the Sonoran Desert in California showed adaptation for quickly producing fruiting bodies at high temperature when humidity conditions were favorable. Strains of the variety bisporus showed interesting potentials for their ability to produce mature fruiting bodies at higher temperature than present cultivars and might be used in breeding programs (AU)

Antecedentes. El cultivo del champiñón (Agaricus bisporus) en países de clima tropical, o durante el verano en países de clima templado, además del ahorro energético que supone, es un reto que podría abordarse con el uso adecuado de la diversidad biológica de la especie. Objetivos. El objetivo del presente estudio fue examinar el rendimiento potencial de ocho cepas silvestres, previamente seleccionadas en experimentos a pequeña escala, para determinar su capacidad para producir frutos maduros a temperaturas ≥25 °C. Métodos. Se utilizaron unidades experimentales de cultivo con 8 kg de compost. El rendimiento se expresó como peso o número de frutos producidos por unidad de superficie; en naves climatizadas, a una temperatura de 17, 25 o 30 °C, durante todo el cultivo, se registró el momento de fructificación. Resultados. Sólo las cepas de A. bisporus var. burnettii fueron capaces de fructificar a 30 °C. Éstas produjeron un alto rendimiento a 25 °C (27 kg/m2) y la fructificación aconteció más temprano. El rendimiento a 25 °C para las cepas de A. bisporus var. bisporus varió de 12 a 16 kg/m2, con una proporción 25 °C/17 °C de 0,8 a 1,2. Conclusiones. La variedad burnettii, originaria del desierto de Sonora en California, está adaptada para producir cuerpos fructíferos a temperaturas elevadas cuando las condiciones de humedad son favorables. Para las cepas de la variedad bisporus se demostró un interesante potencial para producir cuerpos fructíferos maduros a una mayor temperatura que la utilizada en los cultivares actuales y puede ser utilizada en los programas de mejora genética (AU)

Microbiología del agua mineral del balneario / Microbiology of the mineral water of spa

Se ha estudiado la microbiota autóctona y alóctona del agua mineral del Balneario Villa de Olmedo (Valladolid). El número total de microorganismos en el agua ha sido de 4,5 x 103/mL y el número de bacterias viables heterótrofas menor de 5 ufc/mL. No se han encontrado indicadores fecales ni microorganismos patógenos por lo que estas aguas cumplen con la normativa española de aguas de consumo. La microbiota autóctona está constituida, principalmente, por bacilos Gram negativos de la clase Gammaproteobacteria (68,5%) y, en menor proporción, por cocos Gram positivos (14,3%). La especie más frecuente ha sido Pseudomonas stutzeri (37,2%). Se han detectado bacterias con actividades amonificantes, nitrificantes, proteolíticas y amilolíticas en 100 mL de agua, que contribuyen a la autodepuración del agua

The autochthon and alocthon microbiota of the mineral water of the Villa de Olmedo Spa have been studied. The total number of microorganisms in the water was of 4.5 x103/mL and the number of heterotrophic viable bacteria was lower than 5 cfu/mL. Neither faecal indicators nor pathogenic microorganisms were found; therefore these waters comply with the Spanish regulations on drinking water. The autochthon microbiota mostly belongs to Gram negative bacilli, from the Class Gammaproteobacteria (68.5%) and in smaller percentage to the Gram positive cocci (14.3%). The most frequently found species was Pseudomonas stutzeri. Moreover ammonifying, nitrifiying, proteolytic and amylolytic bacteria have been detected in 100 mL of water, all of them involved in self-purification process of water

Governing synthetic biology in the light of the Access and Benefit Sharing Regulation (ABS)

Synthetic biology is a change of paradigm, i.e. from the exploitation of natural and genetic resources to lab production of biological entities. This transitional shift represen15 a great challenge for developing countries, particularly those which host biodiversity, and users of genetic resources, since the latter might not be longer required to access to actual genetic resources (tangible genetic resources) but rather genetic resources' information (intangible genetic resources) in order to replicate those resources in labs. This could mean that users of genetic resource would not have to comply with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and i15 complementary treaty, the Nagoya Protocol, known also as the Access and Benefit Sharing regime (ABS). Both international instrument demands that States create legal mechanisms to secure access and benefit sharing, Le., users of genetic resources are required to obtain prior informed consent (PIC) from host countries of biodiversity and reach mutual agreed terms (MATs), in which users and countries agree how to share the benefi15 arise from the utilization of genetic resources. The ABS regime is particularly relevant since i15 implementation at national and regional level has created tensions between users of genetic resources and developing countries. This situation could lead to users removing interest in the exploitation of genetic resources, subsequently, meaning that their focus would move towards technologies that rely less on tangible genetic resources, including synthetic biology. This papers aim to discuss the scope of the CBD and the Nagoya Protocol in the light of synthetic biology and the implications for developing countries (AU)

La biología sintética es un cambio de paradigma, es decir, a partir de la explotación de 105 recursos naturales y genéticos para la producción en laboratorio de entidades biológicas. Este cambio de transición representa un gran desafío para los países en desarrollo, en particular para aquellos que albergan biodiversidad y para los usuarios de recursos genéticos, ya que ésta última podría no ser ya necesaria para acceder a los recursos genéticos reales (recursos genéticos tangibles), sino para la información de los recursos genéticos (recursos genéticos intangibles) con el fin de replicar esos recursos en los laboratorios. Esto podría significar que los usuarios de recursos genéticos no tendrían que cumplir con el Convenio sobre la Diversidad Biológica (CDB) y su tratado complementario, el Protocolo de Nagoya, conocido también como el régimen de Acceso y Participación en los Beneficios. Ambos instrumentos internacionales demandan que los Estados creen mecanismos legales que aseguren el acceso y distribución de beneficios, es decir, se requiere que los usuarios de recursos genéticos obtengan el consentimiento previo e informado de los países de acogida de la biodiversidad y que alcancen términos mutuamente acordados, y así usuarios y países están de acuerdo en cómo compartir los beneficios que se derivan de la utilización de los recursos genéticos. El régimen de Acceso y Participación en los Beneficios es particularmente relevante ya que su implementación a nivel nacional y regional ha creado tensiones entre los usuarios de recursos genéticos y los países en desarrollo. Esta situación podría conducir a que los usuarios retiren su interés en la explotación de los recursos genéticos, consecuentemente significaría que su objetivo se centraría hacia tecnologías que dependen menos de los recursos genéticos tangibles, como la biología sintética. Este trabajo tiene como fin discutir el alcance del Convenio sobre la Diversidad Biológica (CDB) y el Protocolo de Nagoya, con respecto a la biología sintética y sus implicaciones para los países en desarrollo (AU)

Local ciliate communities associated with aquatic macrophytes

This study, based within the catchment area of the River Frome, an important chalk stream in the south of England, compared ciliated protozoan communities associated with three species of aquatic macrophyte common to lotic habitats: Ranunculus penicillatus subsp. pseudofluitans, Nasturtium officinale and Sparganium emersum. A total of 77 ciliate species were counted. No species-specific ciliate assemblage was found to be typical of any one plant species. Ciliate abundance between plant species was determined to be significantly different. The ciliate communities from each plant species were unique in that the number of species increased with ciliate abundance. The community associated with R. penicillatus subsp. pseudofluitans showed the highest consistency and species richness whereas S. emersum ciliate communities were unstable. Most notably, N. officinale was associated with low ciliate abundances and an apparent reduction in biofilm formation, discussed herein in relation to the plant’s production of the microbial toxin phenethyl isothiocyanate. We propose that the results reflect differences in the quantity and quality of biofilm present on the plants, which could be determined by the different plant morphologies, patterns of plant decay and herbivore defense systems, all of which suppress or promote the various conditions for biofilm growth (AU)

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Dictamen de Mariano de la Paz Graells sobre la obra herpetológica de Eduardo Boscá: análisis de una evaluación científica del siglo XIX / Mariano de la Paz Graells pronouncement on the herpetological works of Eduardo Boscá: analysis of a XIX century scientific evaluation

Se analiza y da a conocer una evaluación científica solicitada por el naturalista Eduardo Boscá a la Dirección General de Instrucción Pública en 1891 en la que pide le sean valoradas sus publicaciones sobre zoología de anfibios y reptiles, aparecidas entre 1877 y 1883. La evaluación la realiza Mariano de la Paz Graells en 1893 por encargo de la Real Academia de Ciencias mediante un extenso y crítico Dictamen inédito. A través de las críticas del informe podemos conocer los estándares reales de calidad entonces exigibles en taxonomía y faunística, no fácilmente deducibles de publicaciones ni de correspondencia epistolar. El Dictamen se encuadra en la historia biográfica de los científicos implicados, y en el desarrollo de la herpetología y la biodiversidad ibero-balear (AU)

A scientific evaluation, requested by the naturalist Eduardo Boscá to the Spanish Dirección General de Instrucción Pública in 1891, is made known and analyzed. In this request, Boscá asks for an evaluation of his zoological publications dealing with amphibians and reptiles, completed between 1877 and 1883. The evaluation is made by the Spanish Real Academia de Ciencias through an unpublished comprehensive and critical Dictum written by Mariano de la Paz Graells in 1893. Through this Dictum we can perceive the real quality standards then required for taxonomy and faunistics, information not easily inferable from publications or mail correspondence. The analysis of this Dictum is here framed in the biographical history of the scientists involved, and also in the development of herpetology and Ibero-Balearic biodiversity (AU)