Use of virtual reality in bipolar disorder: a systematic review.

Virtual reality (VR) is a technology that allows to interact with recreated digital environments and situations with enhanced realism. VR has shown good acceptability and promise in different mental health conditions. No systematic review has evaluated the use of VR in Bipolar Disorder (BD). This PRISMA-compliant systematic review searched PubMed and Web of Science databases (PROSPERO: CRD42023467737) to identify studies conducted in individuals with BD in which VR was used. Results were systematically synthesized around four categories (cognitive and functional evaluation, clinical assessment, response to VR and safety/acceptability). Eleven studies were included (267 individuals, mean age = 36.6 years, 60.7% females). Six studies using VR to carry out a cognitive evaluation detected impairments in neuropsychological performance and delayed reaction times. VR was used to assess emotional regulation. No differences in well-being between VR-based and physical calm rooms were found. A VR-based stress management program reduced subjective stress, depression, and anxiety levels. VR-based cognitive remediation improved cognition, depressive symptoms, and emotional awareness. 48.7% of the individuals with BD considered VR-based cognitive remediation 'excellent', whereas 28.2% considered it 'great'. 87.2% of individuals did not report any side effects. 81.8% of studies received a global quality rating of moderate. Emerging data point towards a promising use of VR in BD as an acceptable assessment/intervention tool. However, multiple unstudied domains as comorbidity, relapse and prodromal symptoms should be investigated. Research on children and adolescents is also recommended. Further research and replication of findings are required to disentangle which VR-interventions for which populations and outcomes are effective.

A New Method for Low Density Distribution Modeling and Near Threatened Species: The Study Case of Plectrohyla Guatemalensis.

We introduce a model that can be used for the description of the distribution of species when there is scarcity of data, based on our previous work (Ballesteros et al. J Math Biol 85(4):31, 2022). We address challenges in modeling species that are seldom observed in nature, for example species included in The International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN 2023). We introduce a general method and test it using a case study of a near threatened species of amphibians called Plectrohyla Guatemalensis (see IUCN 2023) in a region of the UNESCO natural reserve "Tacaná Volcano", in the border between Mexico and Guatemala. Since threatened species are difficult to find in nature, collected data can be extremely reduced. This produces a mathematical problem in the sense that the usual modeling in terms of Markov random fields representing individuals associated to locations in a grid generates artificial clusters around the observations, which are unreasonable. We propose a different approach in which our random variables describe yearly averages of expectation values of the number of individuals instead of individuals (and they take values on a compact interval). Our approach takes advantage of intuitive insights from environmental properties: in nature individuals are attracted or repulsed by specific features (Ballesteros et al. J Math Biol 85(4):31, 2022). Drawing inspiration from quantum mechanics, we incorporate quantum Hamiltonians into classical statistical mechanics (i.e. Gibbs measures or Markov random fields). The equilibrium between spreading and attractive/repulsive forces governs the behavior of the species, expressed through a global control problem involving an energy operator.

Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Transgender Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs (T-KAB) Scale for the Mexican Population.

Transphobia is a result of the widespread lack of knowledge among the general population, together with prejudice based on irrational fear and hatred, of those who do not fit the dominant, socially established gender categories. Little is known about transgender-related knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs among the Mexican population, due to the lack of reliable, valid Spanish-language instruments. This study presents a Spanish translation of the Transgender Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs (T-KAB) Scale and examines its psychometric properties for the Mexican population. A cohort of 501 adult subjects, 337 (67.3%) women and 161 (32.1%) men, drawn from the general population, answered the T-KAB in an anonymous online survey. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and internal consistency measure were used to determine whether its dimensions were reliable and valid for use in a Mexican Spanish language and cultural context. A CFA including the three original dimensions proposed and excluding one item from the T-KAB Scale showed appropriate goodness of fit indices (χ2(180) = 389.41; χ2/df = 2.16, RMSEA = 0.048, CI [0.042, 0.055]; CFI = 0.971; TLI = 0.966), with Cronbach's alpha values over 0.85. The psychometric properties exhibited by the Spanish version of the T-KAB support its use for the assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding transgender people in the Mexican cultural context. This instrument offers researchers a brief, reliable, valid, and easy self-report measure to use in further studies in Spanish-speaking populations.

Multiplex PCR method for the detection of human norovirus, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., and shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli in blackberry, coriander, lettuce and strawberry.

A multiplex PCR method was developed for the simultaneous detection of murine norovirus (MNV-1) as a surrogate for human norovirus (HuNoV) GI and GII, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., and Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in fresh produce. The toxicity of the glycine buffer on bacterial pathogens viability was evaluated. The growth of each of the three pathogens (previously stressed) was evaluated at 35 and 41.5 °C in modified buffered peptone water (mBPW) and trypticase soy broth (TSB), supplemented with vancomycin, novobiocin and brilliant green at two concentration levels. The selected conditions for simultaneous enrichment were: 41.5 °C/mBPW/supplemented with 8 ppm vancomycin, 0.6 ppm novobiocin and 0.2 ppm brilliant green. The pathogens and aerobic plate count (APC) growth was evaluated in the enrichment of lettuce, coriander, strawberry and blackberry under the best enrichment conditions. Starting from 1 to 10 CFU/mL, Salmonella reached from 7.63 to 8.91, Shigella 6.81 to 7.76 and STEC 7.43 to 9.27 log CFU/mL. The population reached for the APC was 5.11-6.56 log CFU/mL. Simultaneous detection by PCR was done using designed primers targeting invA, ipaH, stx1 and stx2 genes, and MNV-1. The detection sensitivity was 10-100 PFU for the MNV-1 and 1-10 CFU for each pathogenic bacteria. This protocol takes 6 h for MNV-1 and 24 h for Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., and STEC detection from the same food portion. In total, 200 samples were analyzed from retail markets from Queretaro, Mexico. Two strawberry samples were positive for HuNoV GI and one lettuce sample was positive for STEC. In conclusion, the method developed in this study is capable of detecting HuNoV GI and GII, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp and STEC from the same fresh produce sample.

Evaluation of Serotonin Release Assay and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Optical Density Thresholds for Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia in Patients on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

OBJECTIVES: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is a recognized concern in patients on extracorporeal life support. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the applicability of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay optical density threshold less than 1 to rule out heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. DESIGN: Retrospective, single-center study. SETTING: Patients were recruited from a prospectively maintained database of all patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation from 2012 to 2018 at a tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Forty-seven patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. INTERVENTIONS: The primary objective was to evaluate the application of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay optical density thresholds and the serotonin release assay in patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Patients were divided into two cohorts, serotonin release assay negative and serotonin release assay positive. In order to perform a sensitivity and specificity analysis of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay optical density thresholds, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia negative was defined as an optical density less than 1.0 and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia positive as an optical density greater than or equal to 1.0. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Utilizing the prespecified optical density thresholds, a specificity and negative predictive value of 89% and 95% were achieved, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This assessment has helped to identify optical density thresholds for patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Our data suggest that an optical density threshold of 1.0 may aid clinicians in objectively ruling out heparin-induced thrombocytopenia without sending a confirmatory serotonin release assay. Increasing the optical density threshold to 1.0 resulted in a high specificity and negative predictive value.

THP-1 cells increase TNF-α production upon LPS + soluble human IgG co-stimulation supporting evidence for TLR4 and Fcγ receptors crosstalk.

The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Gram-negative bacteria is recognized on human monocytes and macrophages by TLR4 and MD2 and induces the production of inflammatory cytokines; the LPS + IgG complexes co-stimulation increases the cytokine production, mediated by the Fc-γRIIa (CD32a). We stimulated human CD14 + monocytes or THP-1 cells with LPS or LPS + soluble human IgG (sIgG) and TNF-α transcription and production, assessed RT-qPCR, ELISA, or flow cytometry, was enhanced by 30% upon LPS + sIgG compared to LPS stimulation. LPS + sIgG co-stimulation affected the NF-κB pathway (p65 phosphorylation and nucleus translocation, and IkB- α degradation). The biochemical inhibition of IRAK 1/4 and Syk kinases suppressed the enhancer effect of LPS + sIgG on TNF- α production, suggesting the involvement of both MyD88 dependent and independent pathways. Our results suggest that during LPS activation, sIgG may participate in a TLR4 - Fc-γR crosstalk.

Timing of ECMO Initiation Impacts Survival in Influenza-Associated ARDS.

In the past decade, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has emerged as an innovative therapy for influenza-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Despite its promising results, the ideal timing of ECMO initiation for these patients remains unclear. Retrospective analysis of a single institution experience with venovenous ECMO for influenza-induced ARDS was performed. Twenty-one patients were identified and categorized into early (0-2 days), standard (3-6 days), or late (more than 7 days) cannulation cohorts. Patients cannulated within 48 hours of admission had 80% survival rate at 90 days. Comparatively, the standard and late cannulation cohorts had an observed 90-day survival rate of 60 and 16.7%, respectively.

Removal of Two High Molecular Weight PAHs from Soils with Different Water Content.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benz[a]anthracene (BA) and dibenz[a,h]anthracene (DBA), which are considered toxic, are frequently found in contaminated soils in Mexico. A laboratory-scale study monitored the degradation of the mixture of these two PAHs in three soils from different Mexican states (Tabasco, Morelos and Veracruz), each with different organic matter content, particle size distribution and incubated under different water content conditions. The hydrocarbons were extracted using microwave digestion and quantified by GC/MS. The removal of the PAHs, the growth of aerobic bacteria and microbial activity were determined in soil samples with and without a bacterial growth inhibitor (HgCl2). The conclusion is that more than 90% of both contaminants was removed from the three soils, independently of the soil water content or the application of a bacterial growth inhibitor. Biological properties of the soils showed changes at the end of the experiment, but the results of the removal of PAHs were similar in the three soils.

[Intimate partner violence. Types and risk in primary care health users in Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico]. / Violencia de pareja: tipo y riesgos en usuarias de atención primaria de salud en Cancún, Quintana Roo, México.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence and type of intimate partner violence in women assigned at primary care health and estimates the risks for violence. DESIGN: Case (incident cases)-control. LOCATION: Primary health care unit in Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico. PARTICIPANTS: Women over 18years old living in couple at last 12months. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Validated violence scale for Mexican population was evaluated: total partner violence, physical, psychological and sexual violence. History of violence and sociodemographic variables. Chi square for categorical variables and odds ratio (OR) for risk estimate was determined. RESULTS: The total intimate partner violence was 15.05%, psychological violence in 37.3%. Overall violence, age differences, socioeconomic status, marital status, history of violence and alcohol intake by the partner (P<.05) were observed. The risk increased in over 40 years old (OR: 2.09; 95%CI: 1.07 to 4.11), history of violence (OR: 5.9; 95%CI: 2.8 to 12.44) and alcohol intake by partner (OR=12.38; 95%CI: 2.15 to 29.59). Low socioeconomic status (OR: 0.384; 95%CI: 0.19 to 0.74) and free union (OR: 0.507; 95%CI: 0.27 to 0.95) were relation factors to lower intimate violence partner. CONCLUSIONS: Sexual violence predominated among users of primary health care and the risk that present this behavior increases with the consumption of alcoholic beverages in the couple and a history of violence, but the free union and socioeconomic status were possibility protected for violence.

Spatial distribution of PAHs, nickel, and vanadium in sediments from a large coastal lagoon near a petroleum extraction area in the southern Gulf of Mexico.

One of the world's crucial areas for crude oil exploration and extraction is the southern Gulf of Mexico, where Terminos Lagoon (TL) is located. Sediments from the TL region were used to assess the spatial patterns, origins, and ecotoxicological risks associated with 16 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs; 3.1-248.9 ng⸳g-1 dry weight basis, dw) and trace metals (Ni = 11.0-104.0 mg⸳kg-1; V = 2.0-35.0 mg⸳kg-1 dw) linked to anthropogenic activities. Although origin indices based on PAHs and metals concentrations indicate no crude oil pollution in the region, sources of pyrogenic PAHs were identified. A chemometric approach demonstrated associations between organic matter and PAHs, and that metal accumulation depends mostly by the input of lithogenic materials. Ecotoxicological risk estimations showed a higher risk of possible adverse effects in sites near swamps and mangrove zones, highlighting the need of future monitoring. This study provides a reference for policymakers to conserve Mexico's largest coastal lagoon and other oil-impacted coastal areas worldwide.

Combined use of SAR images and numerical simulations to identify the source and trajectories of oil spills in coastal environments.

Remote sensing data and numerical simulation are important tools to rebuild any oil spill accident letting to identify its source and trajectory. Through these tools was identified an oil spill that affected Oaxacan coast in October 2022. The SAR images were processed with a standard method included in SNAP software, and the numerical simulation was made using Lagrangian transport model included in GNOME software. With the combining of these tools was possible to discriminate the look-alikes from true oil slicks; which are the main issue when satellite images are used. Obtained results showed that 4.3m3 of crude oil were released into the ocean from a punctual point of oil pollution. This oil spill was classified such as a small oil spill. The marine currents and weathering processes were the main drivers that controlled the crude oil displacement and its dispersion. It was estimated in GNOME that 1.6 m3 of crude oil was floating on the sea (37.2 %), 2.4 m3 was evaporated into the atmosphere (55.8 %) and 0.3 m3 reached the coast of Oaxaca (7 %). This event affected 82 km of coastline, but the most important touristic areas as well as turtle nesting zones were not affected by this small crude oil spill. Results indicated that the marine-gas-pump number 3 in Salina Cruz, Oaxaca, is a punctual point of oil pollution in the Southern Mexican Pacific Ocean. Further work is needed to assess the economic and ecological damage to Oaxacan coast caused by this small oil spill.

Unraveling the role of internal-external metal substitution in Zn3[Co(CN6)]2 for the styrene oxide-CO2 cycloaddition reaction.

We investigated the influence of the structural and textural properties along with the chemical environment of pure Zn3[Co(CN)6]2 in comparison with the modified phases on the catalytic performance in the cycloaddition reaction between styrene oxide and CO2. We relate these to the proposed reaction pathways and mechanisms. The natural cubic phase (ZnCoCn) was dehydrated to obtain the rhombohedral phase (ZnCoRn), while the stabilized cubic phase (ZnCoCs) was synthesized by substituting external zinc atoms with cadmium atoms. The rhombohedral stabilized phase (ZnCoRs) was achieved by the internal cobalt change with iron. All the materials were extensively characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and N2 adsorption. The catalytic behavior of the four phases was tested. The crystalline structure of each phase was obtained, and by XPS, it was demonstrated that the chemical environments of all elements conforming to the rhombohedral stabilized phase are different from those of all other materials owing to the exchange of internal metals. The bulk textural properties were similar; only the ZnCoRs presented more micropore area but did not exceed the total surface area of the other materials. The product distribution and yield at reaction times of 2 h and 6 h were closer to those of the cubic phases. The natural rhombohedral phase exhibits the best performance. The tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB) and rhombohedral stabilized phase work together to yield a bigger copolymer quantity at the expense of the styrene carbonate (StCO3) production. From the proposed mechanism, the TBAB cation (TBA+) has a "protection" function that drives the closing of the StCO3 ring; however, the charge distribution anisotropy in the four nitrogen atoms generated by Co replacement in ZnCoRs could hold TBA+ as the reaction time progressed, causing an unavailability that triggered the copolymerization propagation step.

Development of mixed linear models to analyze and describe the impact of malathion on the larval growth of Megaselia scalaris (Diptera: Phoridae) under various feeding media and environmental conditions.

Forensic entomology plays a crucial role in estimating the minimum postmortem interval through the study of insect larvae found at crime scenes. The precision of this estimation relies on various biotic and abiotic elements that simultaneously influence insect growth and development, encompassing factors such as temperature, humidity, photoperiod, diet, and the existence of xenobiotics in decomposing tissues. Despite numerous studies on the influence of these factors, including the impact of xenobiotics, there are currently no robust tools available for making corrections to this estimation considering concurrently all variables. In an attempt to propose an exploratory and descriptive statistical model to analyze the simultaneous effect and interaction of different variables on larval growth, this study aimed to compare the effect of malathion on the growth of Megaselia scalaris (Loew, 1866) (Diptera: Phoridae) raised in malathion-spiked porcine muscle, under controlled and uncontrolled temperature and humidity conditions (environmental conditions). Larvae were also reared using various growth media. A split-plot design that combined crossed and nested factors was employed; 2 linear mixed models were developed to assess the relationships between the variables. The model provides valuable insights into the complex interactions among xenobiotics, growth media, and environmental conditions in the size and development of M. scalaris.

Necrosis plays a role in the concentration of mycobacterial antigens in granulomas from Mycobacterium bovis naturally infected cattle.

The dynamics that develop between cells and molecules in the host against infection by Mycobacterium bovis, leads to the formation of granulomas mainly present in the lungs and regional lymph nodes in cattle. Cell death is one of the main features in granuloma organization, however, it has not been characterized in granulomatous lesions caused by M. bovis. In this study we aimed to identify the profiles of cell death in the granuloma stages and its relationship with the accumulation of bacteria. We identified necrosis, activated caspase-3, LC3B/p62 using immunohistochemistry and digital pathology analysis on 484 granulomatous lesions in mediastinal lymph nodes from 23 naturally infected cattle. Conclusions: greater amounts of mycobacterial antigens were identified in granulomas from calves compared with adult cattle. The highest percentage of necrosis and quantity of mycobacterial antigens were identified in granuloma stages (III/IV) from adults. The LC3B/p62 profile was heterogeneous in granulomas between adults and calves. Our data suggest that necrosis is associated with a higher amount of mycobacterial antigens in the late stages of granuloma and the development of autophagy appears to play an heterogeneous effector response against infection in adults and calves. These results represent one of the first approaches in the identification of cell death in the four stages of granulomas in bovine tuberculosis.

Heavy metal enrichment in surface sediments from the SW Gulf of Mexico.

The south west coastal zone in the Gulf of Mexico is an area with great industrial and agricultural development, which experiences intensive prospecting and extraction of hydrocarbons. After running through industrial, agricultural, and urban areas, waters from both the Jamapa River and La Antigua River arrive here. The rivers' discharge areas of influence were estimated considering the textural and chemical composition of the supplied sediments. The main factors that determine sediment distribution were mineralogy, heavy minerals, carbonates, and anthropic contributions. The presence of metals in excess was evaluated using various pollution indicators, such as the enrichment factor, contamination factor, modified contamination factor, and geo-accumulation indexes. Data from different used contamination indexes show metal enrichments in As, Cu, Zn, Co, Cr, and V in La Antigua; As, Cu, and Cr in Jamapa; and As, Zn, and Pb in the Continental slope area. The adverse effects of metals on aquatic organisms were assessed using sediment quality guidelines that show Ni, As, Cu, and Cr may produce adverse effects on coastal areas. There was no evidence of contamination associated to the oil industry.

Environmental risk of microplastics in a Mexican coastal lagoon ecosystem: Anthropogenic inputs and its possible human food risk.

Coastal lagoons are ecosystems that are considered providers of a variety species of commercial value to the humans. However, they are currently threatened by a variety of anthropogenic-derived impacts, including environmental pollution by microplastics (MPs). For these reasons, it is necessary to identify suitable biomonitors for monitoring MP activities in aquatic environments and for estimating human ingestion of MPs from the consumption of commercial shellfish species. Therefore, our aims were to identify the anthropogenic activities that supply MPs into a coastal lagoon in the southern Gulf of Mexico and their variety; to determine whether oysters (Crassostrea virginica) are suitable biomonitors to perform MPs monitoring activities and to conduct an estimation of how many MPs could a human consume by the ingestion of a commercial portion of oysters harvested in this coastal lagoon. Our results noted that MP concentrations from water and sediment collected in Laguna de Terminos were 210,000 and 11.3 times higher than values reported in other protected areas worldwide. MPs chemical composition revealed that fishing and urban activities supply mainly polyethylene (21.1 %), poly (butadiene) diol (12.6 %) and polyethylene terephthalate (9.5 %). It was also determined that oysters did not reflect the spatial distribution of MPs within the study area and that a human could consume up to 806.1 MPs per 237.1 g serving of an oyster cocktail. Finally, a coastal lagoon polluted with MPs increases the risk of affecting species used for human consumption.

The Role of Aspartate Aminotransferase-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Index (ALRI) in Predicting Mortality in SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

COVID-19 has a mortality rate exceeding 5.4 million worldwide. The early identification of patients at a high risk of mortality is essential to save their lives. The AST-to-lymphocyte ratio index (ALRI) is a novel biomarker of survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, an organ susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. For this study, the prognostic value of ALRI as a marker of COVID-19 mortality was evaluated. For this purpose, ALRI was compared with the main biomarkers for COVID-19 mortality (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio [NLR], systemic immune-inflammation index [SII], platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio [PLR], lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)/lymphocyte ratio [LDH/LR]). A retrospective cohort of 225 patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and without chronic liver disease was evaluated. In the non-survival group, the ALRI, NLR, SII, and LDH/LR were significantly higher than in the survival group (pcorrected < 0.05). ALRI had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.81, a sensitivity of 70.37%, and a specificity of 75%, with a best cut-off value >42.42. COVID-19 patients with high ALRI levels had a mean survival time of 7.8 days. Multivariate Cox regression revealed that ALRI > 42.42 (HR = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.35-3.97; pcorrected = 0.01) was a prognostic factor of COVID-19 mortality. These findings prove that ALRI is an independent predictor of COVID-19 mortality and that it may help identify high-risk subjects with SARS-CoV-2 infection upon admission.

Environmental risk of trace metals and metalloids in estuarine sediments: An example from Southampton Water, U.K.

Industrial and commercial port activities are widely recognized worldwide as an important source of pollution to proximal estuaries. In this study, we analysed geochemical and sedimentological parameters including major and trace elements, organic matter and sediment texture in surface sediments from the estuarine environment of Southampton Water, U.K. Using these data, and multivariate statistical tools [correlation, factor and cluster analysis and pollution indices such as Enrichment Factor (EF), Pollution Load Index (PLI) and the Adverse Effect Index (AEI)], we examine sedimentary trace metal and metalloid contamination, contamination sources, and potential biological impacts of the contamination present. The geochemical data, multivariate statistical analysis and pollution indices indicate that the spatial distribution of trace metals and metalloids is influenced by both sediment composition (and mixing) and anthropogenic activities. Most trace metal and metalloid concentrations are close to local geological background levels, except for Cu, Zn and Pb. The spatial distribution of these elements indicates that the Exxon oil refinery, Southampton port, local marinas and runoff from domestic and industrial activities act effectively as point sources of these elements. Pollution indices calculations highlight a degraded environment as a result of these pollutants, and further work is needed to assess the current impact of trace metals and metalloids on local ecology.

Can the bioturbation activity of the fiddler crab Minuca rapax modify the distribution of microplastics in sediments?

Fiddler crabs are known as "eco-engineers" who maintain habitat health through sediment bioturbation. They regularly interact with microplastics (MPs) due to their contact with the sediment. In this study we compared MPs concentration between burrows and pellets resulting from bioturbation, and MPs bioaccumulation in the soft tissues of Minuca rapax (Smith, 1870), along a gradient of urbanization in Isla del Carmen, southern Gulf of Mexico. Overall, MPs shape and color in the pellets and in the tissues reflected those of the burrow's sediments. MPs were more abundant and diverse in burrows (9 ± 12 MPs.g-1) than in pellets (5 ± 5 MPs.g-1) or in the soft tissues (1.3 ± 1.2 MPs.g-1). Bioturbation can concentrate MPs in pellets and tissues, depending on the MPs contamination and urbanization level. M. rapax is an important structuring agent of sedimentary MPs, showing a strong top-down translocation of MPs in subtropical tidal flats.

Impacts of environmental pollution on mangrove phenology: Combining remotely sensed data and generalized additive models.

Mangrove ecosystems worldwide have been affected by anthropogenic activities that modify natural conditions and supply trace elements that affect mangrove health and development. In order to gain a better understanding of these ecosystems, and assess the influence of physicochemical (granulometry, pH, salinity and ORP) and geochemical variables (concentrations of V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, Rb, Sr and Zr) on mangrove phenology, we combined field and satellite derived remotely sensed data. Phenology metrics in combination with Generalized Additive Models showed that start of the season was strongly influenced by Pb and Cu pollution as well as salinity and pH, with a large percentage of deviance explained (92.10%) by the model. Start of season exhibited non-linear delays as a response to pollution. Other phenology parameters such as the length of season, timing of the peak of season, and growth peak also indicated responses to both trace elements and physicochemical and geochemical variables, with percentages of deviance explained by the models ranging between 33.90% and 97.70%. While the peak of season showed delays as a response to increased pH and decreased salinity, growth peak exhibited a non-linear decrease as a response to increased Sr concentrations. These results suggest that trace element pollution is likely to lead to altered phenological patterns in mangroves.