Alike but genetically divergent: The resurrection of Urotrygon asterias (Jordan & Gilbert, 1883) from its closest relatives, the Munda and the Blotched stingray.

The genus Urotrygon comprises small- to medium-sized endemic round rays on the American continent and has undergone several synonymization processes. Here, we used an integrative taxonomic approach, including meristic, morphometric, and mtDNA analyses, to resolve the particularly intricate relationship among Urotrygon munda Gill, 1863, Urotrygon chilensis (Günther, 1872), and Urotrygon asterias (Jordan & Gilbert, 1883). The latter species is currently a synonym of U. munda but is also considered the U. chilensis "northern morphotype." These taxonomic entities have historically been confounded, mainly due to their phenotypical resemblance along their geographic distribution in the eastern Pacific. We assessed 78 specimens (43 "northern" and 30 "southern morphotypes" of U. chilensis, as well as 5 U. munda) using 19 external variables for taxonomic and morphometric analysis. Distinct meristic patterns, including pectoral and pelvic ceratotrichia, vertebrae number, and thorn distribution along the dorsal midline, were observed in the series-type specimens of the three taxonomic entities. Our multivariate morphometric analyses consistently differentiated the three groups as distinct taxonomic entities, with an overall classification accuracy of 66.7%. The meristic results also provided reliable information distinguishing the three entities. Based on the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH2) and cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) genes, our phylogenetic analysis were consistent with the morphometric and meristic data, supporting these three entities as distinct species having their own evolutionary lineages. Our comprehensive approach confidently demonstrated that the northern U. chilensis morphotype matched and corresponded to the description of the Starry round ray, U. asterias, confirming its taxonomic resurrection as a valid species distinct from U. chilensis and U. munda. The geographic distribution of U. asterias spans from the tropical west coast of Mexico (including the Gulf of California) to Costa Rica, revealing that microevolutionary processes have well-defined population clades within this range. Furthermore, U. chilensis is unequivocally established as the sole Urotrygon species occurring south of the Guayaquil marine ecoregion. In addition, the public COI and NADH2 sequences available for Urotrygon hosted in the ad hoc online databases were found to be misidentified, emphasizing the need for rigorous taxonomic scrutiny in this group. Finally, our research underscores the significance of an integrative approach that combines morphometric, meristic, and molecular techniques with historical data to disentangle the complexities of closely related taxa.

Comparative assessment of emissions, performance, and economics parameters for a dual-fuel diesel generator operating with rice bran biodiesel and hydrogen.

The first step to achieving an energy transition is partially substituting fossil fuels with other more environmentally friendly alternatives, such as hydrogen gas. The current research aims to evaluate the influence of hydrogen in a diesel generator fueled with rice bran biodiesel. The above encourages the use of hydrogen and biodiesel production from residual raw material. For the development of the research, a diesel engine bench was used, which operated in five load conditions: 20 %, 40 %, 60 %, 80 %, and 100 %, and was fed with three fuels: -100 %, RB-10 %, and RB-10 % + H2(30 %). The results show that the mixture RB-10 % + H2(30 %) causes a 3.14 % reduction in BSFC and a 3.26 % increase in energy conversion efficiency. In addition, it is observed that a 9.90 %, 12.57 %, and 10.99 % decrease in HC, CO, and smoke opacity emissions compared to pure diesel. On the other hand, the mixture RB-10 % + H2(30 %) reduces by 4.44 %, 5.07 %, and 7.06 % the environmental, social, and ecological impact due to CO2, HC, and CO emissions, as well as a 3.93 % reduction in engine operating cost compared to RB-10 % biodiesel. In general, hydrogen injection is a promising alternative to promote the use of rice bran biodiesel due to its increased performance characteristics and reduced pollutant emissions without the need to modify the engine.

Urinary excretion of gluten immunoreactive peptides as an indicator of gastrointestinal function after fasting and dietary provocation in healthy volunteers.

Introduction: Understanding intestinal permeability is paramount for elucidating gastrointestinal health and pathology. The size and nature of the molecule traversing the intestinal barrier offer crucial insights into various acute and chronic diseases, as well as the evolution of some conditions. This study aims to assess the urinary excretion kinetics of gluten immunogenic peptides (u-GIP), a unique class of dietary peptides detectable in urine, in volunteers under controlled dietary conditions. This evaluation should be compared to established probes like lactulose, a non-digestible disaccharide indicative of paracellular permeability, and mannitol, reflecting transcellular permeability. Methods: Fifteen participants underwent simultaneous ingestion of standardized doses of gluten (10 g), lactulose (10 g), and mannitol (1 g) under fasting conditions for at least 8 hours pre-ingestion and during 6 hours post-ingestion period. Urine samples were collected over specified time intervals. Excretion patterns were analyzed, and correlations between the lactulose-to-mannitol ratio (LMR) and u-GIP parameters were assessed. Results: The majority of u-GIP were detected within the first 12 hours post-ingestion. Analysis of the variability in cumulative excretion across two sample collection ranges demonstrated that lactulose and u-GIP exhibited similar onset and excretion dynamics, although GIP reached its maximum peak earlier than either lactulose or mannitol. Additionally, a moderate correlation was observed between the LMR and u-GIP parameters within the longest urine collection interval, indicating potential shared characteristics among permeability pathways. These findings suggest that extending urine collection beyond 6 hours may enhance data reliability. Discussion: This study sheds light on the temporal dynamics of u-GIP in comparison to lactulose and mannitol, established probes for assessing intestinal permeability. The resemblance between u-GIP and lactulose excretion patterns aligns with the anticipated paracellular permeability pathway. The capacity to detect antigenic food protein fragments in urine opens novel avenues for studying protein metabolism and monitoring pathologies related to the digestive and intestinal systems.

Migraine treatment consensus document of the Spanish Society of Neurology (SEN), Spanish Society of Family and Community Medicine (SEMFYC), Society of Primary Care Medicine (SEMERGEN) and Spanish Association of Migraine and Headache (AEMICE) on migraine treatment. / Documento de consenso de la Sociedad Española de Neurología (SEN), Sociedad Española de Medicina de Familia y Comunitaria (SEMFYC), Sociedad de Medicina de Atención Primaria (SEMERGEN) y Asociación Española de Migraña y Cefalea (AEMICE) sobre el tratamiento de la migraña.

Migraine is a disease with a high prevalence and incidence, in addition to being highly disabling, causing a great impact on the patient's quality of life at a personal, family and work level, but also social, given its high expense due to its direct (care) and indirect (presenteeism and work absenteeism) costs. The multiple and recent developments in its pathophysiological knowledge and in its therapy require updating and, therefore, in this article the Spanish scientific societies most involved in its study and treatment (SEN, SEMFYC and SEMERGEN), together with the Association Spanish Association for Patients with Migraine and other Headaches (AEMICE), we have developed these updated care recommendations. We reviewed the treatment of migraine attacks, which consisted mainly of the use of NSAIDs and triptans, to which ditans and gepants have been added. We also discuss preventive treatment consisting of oral preventive drugs, botulinum toxin, and treatments that block the action of calcitonin-related peptide (CGRP). Finally, we emphasize that pharmacological treatments must be complementary to carrying out general measures consisting of identifying and managing/deletion the precipitating factors of the attacks and the chronicizing factors, controlling the comorbidities of migraine and eliminating analgesic overuse.

First record of the invasive dwarf surf clam Mulinia lateralis (Say 1822) in the eastern Pacific Ocean

Mulinia lateralis is a native bivalve from the Western Atlantic Ocean, distributed from the Gulf of Saint Lawrence in Canada to Yucatan in Mexico. Based on morphological and genetic data of specimens collected in shrimp farms, in this work, we confirm the presence of M. lateralis in the Gulf of Guayaquil, Ecuador. Presence and its consequences of this invasive bivalve in the region is discussed.

Mulinia lateralis es un bivalvo nativo de las aguas del Océano Atlántico Occidental, distribuido desde el Golfo de Saint Lawrence en Canadá hasta Yucatán en México. En este trabajo, la presencia de M. lateralis es confirmada en el Golfo de Guayaquil, Ecuador, con base en datos morfológicos y genéticos de ejemplares colectados en camaroneras. Se presenta una discusión sobre la presencia y consecuencias de este bivalvo invasor en la región.

Fishes from Yarinacocha lake: an emblematic Amazonian ecosystem in the lower Ucayali River basin, Pucallpa, Peru / Peixes do lago Yarinacocha: um ecossistema amazônico emblemático na bacia do baixo rio Ucayali, Pucallpa, Peru

The Yarinacocha lake is an emblematic ecosystem of the Peruvian Amazon, representing the main point of fish landing and a tourist attraction in the city of Pucallpa. The wide fauna diversity in this area has made it the target of various studies, although for fish species most of them were focused on commercial species. In this work, we carried out the first ichthyofauna species inventory of the Yarinacocha lake, sampling throughout the entire lake during the rainy and dry seasons and considering also all previously recorded species deposited in the Ichthyological Collection of the MUSM with the same locality. A total of 164 fish species were recorded, representing 10 orders (plus Eupercaria), 34 families and 116 genera. Characiformes was the order with more species (68 spp., 41.5%) followed by Siluriformes (59 spp., 36%), Cichliformes (17 spp., 10.5%), and Gymnotiformes (8 spp., 4.9%). The most highly represented families, including almost 55.5% of the total diversity obtained, were Characidae (23 spp., 14%), followed by Cichlidae (17 spp., 10.4%), Loricariidae (14 spp., 8.5%), Pimelodidae (13 spp., 7.9%), Doradidae (13 spp., 7.4%) and Anostomidae (12 spp., 7.3%). From the total fish species recorded in this study, only 22 are considered protected species following the IUCN criteria and 109 species have commercial importance, including 90 ornamental species (54.8%). Our results contribute to the knowledge of the ichthyofauna of the Yarinacocha lake and can be used as a starting point for its conservation and sustainable management over time.

O lago Yarinacocha é um ecossistema emblemático da Amazônia peruana, representando o principal ponto de desembarque de peixes e também uma atração turística da cidade de Pucallpa. A grande diversidade faunística nesta área a tornou alvo de vários estudos, embora para as espécies de peixes a maioria deles tenha sido focada em espécies comerciais. Neste trabalho, realizamos o primeiro inventário da ictiofauna do lago Yarinacocha, amostrando todo o lago durante as estações chuvosa e seca, e também considerando todas as espécies depositadas na Coleção Ictiológica do MUSM dessa localidade. Um total de 164 espécies de peixes foram registradas, representando 10 ordens (mais Eupercaria), 34 famílias e 116 gêneros. Characiformes foi a ordem com mais espécies (68 espécies, 41,5%), seguida por Siluriformes (59 espécies, 36%), Cichliformes (17 espécies, 10,5%) e Gymnotiformes (8 espécies, 4,9%). As famílias mais representadas, incluindo quase 55,5% da diversidade total obtida, foram Characidae (23 spp., 14%), seguido por Cichlidae (17 spp., 10,4%), Loricariidae (14 spp., 8,5%), Pimelodidae (13 spp., 7,9%), Doradidae (13 spp., 7,4%) e Anostomidae (12 spp., 7,3%). Do total de espécies de peixes registradas neste estudo, apenas 22 são consideradas espécies protegidas seguindo os critérios da IUCN e 109 espécies têm importância comercial, incluindo 90 espécies ornamentais (54,8%). Nossos resultados contribuem para o conhecimento da ictiofauna do lago Yarinacocha e podem ser utilizados como ponto de partida para sua conservação e manejo sustentável ao longo do tempo.

La articulación público-privada en la producción de vacunas en México / Public-private articulation in the production of vaccines in Mexico

RESUMEN El artículo analiza el proceso de privatización de la atención a la salud: la Articulación Público-Privada (APP). Específicamente estudia la producción de vacunas em México, tomando como caso los Laboratorios de Biológicos y Reactivos de México, S.A. de C.V. (Birmex), empresa paraestatal, responsable de producir, distribuir e investigar biológicos y reactivos en México. Interesa destacar el comportamiento de Birmex durante el periodo de la pandemia de influenza de 2009, producida por el virus de la influenza A subtipo H1N1. Los resultados muestran que gracias al impulso de las políticas de liberalización y desregulación, existe una apertura de los servicios públicos a las corporaciones supranacionales.

ABSTRACT This paper analyzes the process of privatization of health care services through the Public-Private Articulation (APA). The production of vaccines in Mexico is studied, through the case study of Biological and Reagents Laboratories of Mexico, LLC (Birmex), company responsible for the production, distribution and investigation of biological and reagents in Mexico. It points out specially Birmex’s performance during the period of pandemic influenza A virus, H1N1 subtype. The results show that there exists opening of the public services to supranational corporations encouraged by policies of liberalization and deregulation.

Molecular identification of Atlantic goliath grouper Epinephelus itajara (Lichtenstein, 1822) (Perciformes: Epinephelidae) and related commercial species applying multiplex PCR

The Atlantic goliath grouper, Epinephelus itajara , is a critically endangered species, threatened by illegal fishing and the destruction of its habitats. A number of other closely related grouper species found in the western Atlantic are also fished intensively. While some countries apply rigorous legislation, illegal harvesting followed by the falsification of fish products, which impedes the correct identification of the species, is a common practice, allowing the catch to be marketed as a different grouper species. In this case, molecular techniques represent an important tool for the monitoring and regulation of fishery practices, and are essential for the forensic identification of a number of different species. In the present study, species-specific primers were developed for the Cytochrome Oxidase subunit I gene, which were applied in a multiplex PCR for the simultaneous identification of nine different species of Epinephelidae: Epinephelus itajara , E. quinquefasciatus , E. morio , Hyporthodus flavolimbatus , H. niveatus , Mycteroperca acutirostris , M. bonaci , M. marginata , and M. microlepis . Multiplex PCR is a rapid, reliable and cost-effective procedure for the identification of commercially-valuable endangered fish species, and may represent a valuable tool for the regulation and sustainable management of fishery resources.(AU)

O mero, Epinephelus itajara , encontra-se criticamente ameaçado, resultado da pesca ilegal e destruição dos habitas. Filogeneticamente relacionadas a este táxon encontram-se garoupas que atualmente são intensamente pescadas no Atlântico Oeste. Apesar de leis mais restritivas aplicadas em alguns países, a captura ilegal com a descaracterização morfológica é uma prática comum que impossibilita a identificação correta da espécie permitindo que seja comercializada como garoupas, badejos ou chernes. A este respeito, técnicas moleculares representam ferramentas importantes para o monitoramento e fiscalização da pesca, provando ser essencial, na identificação forense de diversas espécies. Primers espécie-específicos foram desenvolvidos com base no gene Citocromo Oxidase subunidade I que aplicados em PCR-Multiplex possibilitam a identificação simultânea de nove espécies Epinephelidae: Epinephelus itajara , E. quinquefasciatus , E. morio , Hyporthodus flavolimbatus , H. niveatus , Mycteroperca acutirostris , M. bonaci , M. marginata e M. microlepis . A identificação via PCR multiplex de espécies de peixes ameaçadas e comercialmente importantes é um método rápido, prático, seguro e de baixo custo, que poderá ser útil o controle do uso e manejo sustentável de recursos pesqueiros.(AU)

Karyotype of the invasive species Pterois volitans (Scorpaeniformes: Scorpaenidae) from Margarita Island, Venezuela / Cariotipo de la especie invasora Pterois volitans (Scorpaeniformes: Scorpaenidae) de Isla Margarita Island, Venezuela

The genus Pterois includes nine valid species, native to the Red Sea and Indian Ocean throughout the Western Pacific. P. volitans and P. miles are native to the Indo-Pacific, and were introduced into Florida waters as a result of aquarium releases, and have been recently recognized as invaders of the Western Atlantic and Caribbean Sea (Costa Rica to Venezuela). Thus far, cytogenetic studies of the genus Pterois only cover basic aspects of three species, including P. volitans from Indo-Pacific Ocean. Considering the lack of more detailed information about cytogenetic characteristics of this invasive species, the objective of the present study was to investigate the basic and molecular cytogenetic characteristics of P. volitans in Venezuela, and compare the results with those from the original distribution area. For this, the karyotypic characteristics of four lionfish caught in Margarita Island, Venezuela, were investigated by examining metaphase chromosomes by Giemsa staining, C-banding, Ag-NOR, and two-colour-Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) for mapping of 18S and 5S ribosomal genes. Comparing the sequences of the 16S gene of the specimens analyzed, with sequences already included in the Genbank, we corroborated that our specimens identified as P. volitans are in fact this species, and hence exclude the possibility of a misidentification of P. miles. The diploid number was 2n=48 (2m+10sm+36a) with FN=60. Chromosomes uniformly decreased in size, making it difficult to clearly identify the homologues except for the only metacentric pair, and the pairs number two, the largest of the submetacentric series. C-banding revealed only three pairs of chromosomes negative for C-band, whereas all remaining chromosomes presented telomeric and some interstitial C-positive blocks. Only two chromosomes were C-banding positive at the pericentromeric regions. Sequential staining revealed Ag-NOR on the tips of the short arms of chromosome pair number two and the FISH assay revealed that 18S rDNA and 5S rDNA genes are co-located on this chromosome pair. The co-localization of 5S rDNA and 45S rDNA is discussed. Both constitutive heterochromatin and NOR location detected in samples examined in this study, differ from those reported for P. volitans in previous analysis of specimens collected in Indian Ocean (Java), suggesting the occurrence of chromosome microrearrangements involving heterochromatin during the spread of P. volitans.Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (4): 1365-1373. Epub 2014 December 01.

El género Pterois contiene nueve especies válidas, nativas del Mar Rojo y el Océano Índico en el Pacífico occidental. P. volitans y P. miles son nativas del Indo-Pacífico, y fueron introducidas en las aguas de Florida como resultado de la liberación de peces confinados en acuario y han sido reconocidas recientemente como invasoras en el Atlántico Occidental y Mar Caribe (Costa Rica hasta Venezuela). Los estudios citogenéticos realizados hasta ahora en el género Pterois cubren solamente aspectos básicos de tres especies que incluyen a P. volitans del océano Indo-Pacífico. Debido a la ausencia de información detallada sobre las características cromosómicas de esta especie invasora, el objetivo del presente estudio fue investigar las características citogenéticas en ejemplares de Venezuela mediante técnicas convencionales y moleculares y comparar los resultados con los reportados para el área de distribución original. Para ello, se investigaron las características cariotípicas mediante tinción con Giemsa, bandeo-C, impregnación con Nitrato de Plata (Ag-NOR) e hibridación fluorescente in situ (FISH) dual para localizar los genes ribosomales 18S rDNA y 5S rDNA en cuatro ejemplares de pez león capturados en la Isla Margarita, Venezuela. La comparación de secuencias del gen 16S de los especímenes analizados con secuencias ya incluidas en el Genbank permitieron corroborar la identificación de P. volitans excluyendo así la posibilidad de una identificación errónea de P. miles. El número diploide fue 2n=48 (2m+10sm+36a) con un FN=60. Los cromosomas presentaron tamaños que disminuyen de manera uniforme dificultando la identificación de homólogos, excepto el único par metacéntrico y el par cromosómico número 2. El bandeo-C reveló tres pares de cromosomas bandas-C negativos, mientras que los restantes presentaron bloques bandas-C positivos en posición telomérica y, en algunos casos, intersticial. Sólo dos cromosomas mostraron bandas-C pericentroméricas. La tinción secuencial reveló las Ag-NOR localizadas en los extremos de los brazos cortos del par número dos y el ensayo FISH demostró que los genes 18S rDNA y 5S rDNA se localizan en ese mismo par. Se discute la co-localización de los genes 5S rDNA y 18S rDNA. La distribución de la heterocromatina constitutiva y localización de las NORs en los peces examinados difirió de la reportada para ejemplares de P. volitans del Océano Índico (Java), sugiriendo que durante la propagación de P. volitans han ocurrido reorganizaciones cromosómicas que involucran la heterocromatina.

Análisis cuantitativo de características biológicas de la madre y condiciones del embarazo que influyen en el peso del recién nacido en la VIII Región - Chile / Quantitative analysis of maternal biological and pregnancy conditions that influence birthweight in the VIII Region - Chile

El propósito del estudio fue cuantificar la relación del peso de nacimiento con cada una y con el conjunto de variables nutricionales y biodemográficas maternas en estudio. Se investigó una cohorte de 2356 binomios embarazadas-recién nacidos en forma retrospectiva en 7 establecimientos de salud de la VIII Región. A través de un análisis de regresión lineal múltiple, se concluye que el peso del recién nacido se explica en el área urbana en un 22,82% por el conjunto de las siguientes variables en orden descendente de importancia: índice P/T final, edad gestacional, estatura materna, sexo masculino, primer hijo, índice P/T inicial y 5 y más hijos. En el área rural se altera el orden de importancia. Finalmente se determina que el estado nutricional deficiente al final del embarazo y la talla menor de 154 cm. representan riesgos significativos para el nacimiento tanto de niños con bajo peso (<2500 g) como con peso insuficiente (2501-3000g)