Using experimental reintroductions to resolve the roles of habitat quality and metapopulation dynamics on patch occupancy in fragmented landscapes.

Declines of species in fragmented landscapes can potentially be reversed either by restoring connectivity or restoring local habitat quality. Models fitted to snapshot occupancy data can be used to predict the effectiveness of these actions. However, such inferences can be misleading if the reliability of the habitat and landscape metrics used is unknown. The only way to unambiguously resolve the roles of habitat quality and metapopulation dynamics is to conduct experimental reintroductions to unoccupied patches so that habitat quality can be measured directly from data on vital rates. We, therefore, conducted a 15-year study that involved reintroducing a threatened New Zealand bird to unoccupied forest fragments to obtain reliable data on their habitat quality and reassess initial inferences made by modeling occupancy against habitat and landscape metrics. Although reproductive rates were similar among fragments, subtle differences in adult survival rates resulted in λ (finite rate of increase) estimations of <0.9 for 9 of the 12 fragments that were previously unoccupied. This was the case for only 1 of 14 naturally occupied fragments. This variation in λ largely explained the original occupancy pattern, reversing our original conclusion from occupancy modeling that this occupancy pattern was isolation driven and suggesting that it would be detrimental to increase connectivity without improving local habitat quality. These results illustrate that inferences from snapshot occupancy should be treated with caution and subjected to testing through experimental reintroductions in selected model systems.

Uso de Reintroducciones Experimentales para Determinar las Funciones de la Calidad delHábitat y las Dinámicas Metapoblacionales en la Ocupación de Paisajes Fragmentados Resumen La declinación de las especies en paisajes fragmentados tiene el potencial de ser revertida mediante la restauración de la conectividad o de la calidad del hábitat. Se pueden utilizar los modelos ajustados a los datos de ocupación instantánea para predecir la efectividad de estas acciones. Sin embargo, estas inferencias pueden ser engañosas si se desconoce la confiabilidad de las medidas usadas para el hábitat y el paisaje. La única manera de determinar inequívocamente las funciones de la calidad del hábitat y de las dinámicas metapoblacionales es mediante la realización de reintroducciones experimentales en los fragmentos no ocupados, de tal manera que se puede medir directamente la calidad del hábitat a partir de los datos de las tasas vitales. Por lo tanto, realizamos un estudio de 15 años que involucró la reintroducción de un ave neozelandesa amenazada en fragmentos no ocupados de bosque para así obtener datos confiables de la calidad del hábitat y reevaluar las inferencias iniciales hechas por los modelos de ocupación en relación con las medidas de hábitat y paisaje. Aunque las tasas de reproducción fueron similares entre los fragmentos, algunas diferencias sutiles en las tasas de supervivencia de los adultos resultaron en estimaciones λ (una tasa finita de incremento) <0.9 en nueve de los doce fragmentos que no estaban ocupados previamente. Este fue el caso para uno solo de los 14 fragmentos ocupados naturalmente. Esta variación λ explicó en su mayoría el patrón original de ocupación, revirtiendo nuestra conclusión original obtenida del modelo de ocupación de que este patrón estuvo causado por el aislamiento y sugiriendo que sería perjudicial incrementar la conectividad sin mejorar la calidad del hábitat local. Estos resultados muestran que las inferencias a partir de la ocupación instantánea deberían abordarse con cautela y estar sujetas al análisis mediante reintroducciones experimentales en sistemas modelados selectos.

Transcending capitalism growth strategies for biodiversity conservation.

The unlimited economic growth that fuels capitalism's metabolism has profoundly transformed a large portion of Earth. The resulting environmental destruction has led to an unprecedented rate of biodiversity loss. Following large-scale losses of habitats and species, it was recognized that biodiversity is crucial to maintaining functional ecosystems. We sought to continue the debate on the contradictions between economic growth and biodiversity in the conservation science literature and thus invite scholars to engage in reversing the biodiversity crisis through acknowledging the impacts of economic growth. In the 1970s, a global agenda was set to develop different milestones related to sustainable development, including green-blue economic growth, which despite not specifically addressing biodiversity reinforced the idea that economic development based on profit is compatible with the planet's ecology. Only after biodiversity loss captured the attention of environmental sciences researchers in the early 2000s was a global biodiversity agenda implemented. The agenda highlights biodiversity conservation as a major international challenge and recognizes that the main drivers of biodiversity loss derive from economic activities. The post-2000 biodiversity agendas, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the post-2020 Convention on Biological Diversity Global Strategy Framework, do not consider the negative impacts of growth-oriented strategies on biodiversity. As a result, global biodiversity conservation priorities are governed by the economic value of biodiversity and its assumed contribution to people's welfare. A large body of empirical evidence shows that unlimited economic growth is the main driver of biodiversity loss in the Anthropocene; thus, we strongly argue for sustainable degrowth and a fundamental shift in societal values. An equitable downscaling of the physical economy can improve ecological conditions, thus reducing biodiversity loss and consequently enhancing human well-being.

Trascendiendo las Estrategias de Crecimiento Capitalista para la Conservación de la Biodiversidad Resumen El crecimiento económico ilimitado que alimenta el metabolismo del capitalismo ha transformado profundamente una gran parte del planeta Tierra. La destrucción ambiental resultante ha traído como consecuencia una tasa sin precedentes de pérdida de diversidad biológica. Después de la pérdida a gran escala de hábitats y especies, se reconoció que la biodiversidad es crucial para mantener el funcionamiento de los ecosistemas. En este articulo buscamos seguir con el debate sobre las contradicciones entre el crecimiento económico y la biodiversidad en la literatura de las ciencias de la conservación y así invitar a los académicos a participar en la reducción de la crisis de biodiversidad dando a conocer los impactos del crecimiento económico. En la década de 1970, se estableció una agenda global para desarrollar diferentes metas relacionadas con el desarrollo sustentable, incluyendo el crecimiento económico verde y azul, la cual a pesar de no mencionar específicamente la biodiversidad reforzó la idea de que el desarrollo económico basado en ganancias es compatible con la ecología del planeta. Fue solamente después de que la pérdida de biodiversidad captó la atención de los investigadores de las ciencias ambientales a principios de la década de los 2000 que se implementó una agenda para la diversidad biológica. La agenda resalta que la conservación de la biodiversidad es un gran reto internacional y reconoce que las pincipales causas de la pérdida de la diversidad biológica derivan de las actividades económicas. Las agendas para la biodiversidad creadas después del 2000, incluyendo la Agenda 2030 para el Desarrollo Sustentable y el Marco de Trabajo de la Estrategia Mundial de la Convención sobre la Diversidad Biológica posterior a 2020, no consideran los impactos negativos de las estrategias para la biodiversidad orientadas por el crecimiento. Como resultado, las prioridades de la conservación mundial de la biodiversidad están gobernadas por el valor económico de la biodiversidad y la supuesta contribución que tiene para el bienestar de las personas. Una gran cantidad de evidencia empírica muestra que el crecimiento económico ilimitado es el principal conductor de la pérdida de diversidad biológica en el Antropoceno; por lo tanto, abogamos fuertemente por un decrecimiento sustentable y un cambio fundamental en los valores sociales. Una reducción equitativa de la economía física puede mejorar las condiciones ecológicas, reduciendo así la pérdida de biodiversidad y mejorando como consecuencia el bienestar humano.

Explaining Heterogeneity of Daily Conflict Spillover in the Family: The Role of Dyadic Marital Conflict Patterns.

In this multi-informant, longitudinal, daily diary study, we investigated whether long-term dyadic patterns of marital conflict resolution explain the heterogeneity in short-term day-to-day cross-lagged associations between marital conflict intensity and mother-adolescent conflict intensity. The sample consisted of 419 adolescents (44.6% girls, Mage = 13.02, SD = 0.44, at T1; Mage = 17.02, SD = 0.44, at T5), their mothers (N = 419, Mage = 44.48, SD = 4.17, at T1), and their fathers (N = 419, Mage = 46.76, SD = 4.99, at T1). Mothers and fathers reported on their marital conflict resolution strategies annually across 5 years. Mother-father daily conflict intensity (mother-reported) and mother-adolescent daily conflict intensity (mother- and adolescent-reported) were assessed for 75 days across 5 years. We hypothesized that long-term marital conflict resolution patterns would moderate the short-term daily dynamics of conflict between the marital and the mother-adolescent dyads. Latent Class Growth Analysis revealed four types of families based on long-term dyadic marital conflict resolution, including families where mostly constructive or mostly destructive conflict resolution was used. Dynamic Structural Equation Modeling was used to investigate the daily levels and short-term daily dynamics of conflict, revealing that for most families there were no day-to-day lagged associations between marital conflict and mother-adolescent conflict. Results showed that long-term conflict resolution patterns did not moderate the short-term dynamics of daily conflict. However, differences among long-term marital conflict resolution patterns were found in the levels of daily conflict, such that in families with long-term destructive conflict resolution patterns, daily conflict intensity was higher.

En este estudio de informantes múltiples, longitudinal y de registro diario, investigamos si los patrones diádicos de resolución de conflictos conyugales a largo plazo explican la heterogeneidad en las asociaciones diarias de retardo cruzado a corto plazo entre la intensidad del conflicto conyugal y la intensidad del conflicto entre las madres y los adolescentes. La muestra estuvo integrada por 419 adolescentes (el 44.6 % niñas, edad promedio = 13.02, desviación típica = 0.44, en la T1; edad promedio = 17.02, desviación típica= 0.44, en la T5), sus madres (número = 419, edad promedio = 44.48, desviación típica = 4.17, en la T1), y sus padres (número = 419, edad promedio= 46.76, desviación típica = 4.99, en la T1). Las madres y los padres informaron sus estrategias de resolución de conflictos conyugales anualmente durante cinco años. Se evaluaron la intensidad del conflicto diario entre la madre y el padre (informado por la madre) y la intensidad del conflicto diario entre la madre y el adolescente (informado por la madre y el adolescente) durante 75 días a lo largo de cinco años. Planteamos la hipótesis de que los patrones de resolución de conflicto conyugal a largo plazo moderarían la dinámica diaria de conflicto a corto plazo entre la díada conyugal y la díada madre-adolescente. El análisis de crecimiento de clases latentes reveló cuatro tipos de familias sobre la base de la resolución de conflictos conyugales diádicos a largo plazo, incluidas las familias donde se usó la resolución de conflictos principalmente constructiva o principalmente destructiva. Se utilizó el modelo de ecuaciones estructurales dinámicas para investigar los niveles diarios y la dinámica diaria de conflicto a corto plazo, el cual reveló que para la mayoría de las familias no hubo asociaciones diarias retardadas entre el conflicto conyugal y el conflicto entre madres y adolescentes. Los resultados indicaron que los patrones de resolución de conflictos a largo plazo no moderaron la dinámica a corto plazo del conflicto diario. Sin embargo, se encontraron diferencias entre los patrones de resolución de conflictos conyugales a largo plazo en los niveles de conflicto diario, de modo que, en las familias con patrones de resolución de conflictos destructivos a largo plazo, la intensidad del conflicto diario fue mayor.

Bridging gaps in demographic analysis with phylogenetic imputation.

Phylogenetically informed imputation methods have rarely been applied to estimate missing values in demographic data but may be a powerful tool for reconstructing vital rates of survival, maturation, and fecundity for species of conservation concern. Imputed vital rates could be used to parameterize demographic models to explore how populations respond when vital rates are perturbed. We used standardized vital rate estimates for 50 bird species to assess the use of phylogenetic imputation to fill gaps in demographic data. We calculated imputation accuracy for vital rates of focal species excluded from the data set either singly or in combination and with and without phylogeny, body mass, and life-history trait data. We used imputed vital rates to calculate demographic metrics, including generation time, to validate the use of imputation in demographic analyses. Covariance among vital rates and other trait data provided a strong basis to guide imputation of missing vital rates in birds, even in the absence of phylogenetic information. Mean NRMSE for null and phylogenetic models differed by <0.01 except when no vital rates were available or for vital rates with high phylogenetic signal (Pagel's λ > 0.8). In these cases, including body mass and life-history trait data compensated for lack of phylogenetic information: mean normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) for null and phylogenetic models differed by <0.01 for adult survival and <0.04 for maturation rate. Estimates of demographic metrics were sensitive to the accuracy of imputed vital rates. For example, mean error in generation time doubled in response to inaccurate estimates of maturation time. Accurate demographic data and metrics, such as generation time, are needed to inform conservation planning processes, for example through International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List assessments and population viability analysis. Imputed vital rates could be useful in this context but, as for any estimated model parameters, awareness of the sensitivities of demographic model outputs to the imputed vital rates is essential.

Cerrando Brechas en los Análisis Demográficos con Imputación Filogenética Resumen Los métodos de imputación guiados filogenéticamente se han aplicado con poca frecuencia para estimar los valores faltantes en los datos demográficos, aunque pueden ser una herramienta poderosa para la reconstrucción de tasas vitales de supervivencia, maduración y fecundidad de especies de importancia para la conservación. Las tasas vitales imputadas podrían usarse para generar parámetros en los modelos demográficos para explorar cómo responden las poblaciones cuando se perturban las tasas vitales. Utilizamos estimaciones de tasas vitales estandarizadas para 50 especies de aves para analizar el uso de la imputación filogenética para llenar los vacíos en los datos demográficos. Calculamos la certeza de imputación para las tasas vitales de las especies focales excluidas del conjunto de datos por sí solas o en combinación y con y sin datos de filogenia, masa corporal y características de historia de vida. Usamos las tasas vitales imputadas para calcular las medidas demográficas, incluyendo el tiempo de generación, y así validar el uso de la imputación en los análisis demográficos. La covarianza entre las tasas vitales y otros datos de características proporcionó una base sólida para orientar la imputación de tasas vitales faltantes en las aves, incluso la ausencia de información filogenética. El NRMSE medio para los modelos nulo y filogenético difirió por <0.01 salvo cuando no hubo tasas vitales disponibles o para tasas vitales con una señal filogenética alta (λ de Pagel > 0.8). En estos casos, la inclusión de la masa corporal y las características de historia de vida compensó la falta de información filogenética: el error cuadrático medio de la raíz normalizada media (NRMSE) para los modelos nulo y filogenéticos difirió por <0.01 para la supervivencia adulta y <0.04 para la tasa de maduración. Las estimaciones de las medidas demográficas fueron sensibles a la certeza de las tasas vitales imputadas. Por ejemplo, el error medio en el tiempo generacional se duplicó en respuesta a las estimaciones imprecisas del tiempo de maduración. Las medidas y datos demográficos certeros, como el tiempo generacional, son necesarios para orientar los procesos de planeación de la conservación; por ejemplo, a través de las valoraciones de la Lista Roja de la Unión Internacional para la Conservación de la Naturaleza y los análisis de viabilidad poblacional. Las tasas vitales imputadas podrían ser útiles en este contexto, pero como para cualquier tipo de parámetro de modelo estimado, el conocimiento de las sensibilidades del rendimiento del modelo demográfico es esencial para las tasas vitales imputadas.

Dyadic Effects of Fluid Mindset on Psychological Growth in Immigrant Mothers and Their Children: Indirect Effect of Resilience.

Immigration research has recently investigated positive adaptation outcomes such as psychological growth. This study tested actor and partner effects between fluid mindset and psychological growth, mediated by resilience, in 200 migrant mother-child dyads from Mainland China to Hong Kong. Mothers' fluid mindset had significant actor and partner effects on their own and their children's psychological growth, whereas children's fluid mindset showed an actor effect. For mothers and children, fluid mindset had significant actor indirect effects on psychological growth via resilience. Mothers' fluid mindset had a significant partner indirect effect on children's psychological growth via children's resilience. The findings have implications for enhancing immigrants' psychological growth by strengthening fluid mindset and considering mothers and children as the intervention unit in resilience programs.

En las investigaciones sobre la inmigración se han analizado recientemente los resultados de la adaptación positiva, como el crecimiento psicológico. En este estudio se evaluaron los efectos del actor y la pareja entre la mentalidad flexible y el crecimiento psicológico, mediados por la resiliencia, en 200 díadas madre e hijo de emigrantes de China continental a Hong Kong. La mentalidad flexible de las madres tuvo efectos significativos del actor y la pareja en su propio crecimiento psicológico y el de sus hijos, mientras que la mentalidad flexible de los hijos demostró un efecto del actor. Para las madres y los hijos, la mentalidad flexible tuvo efectos indirectos significativos del actor en el crecimiento psicológico mediante la resiliencia. La mentalidad flexible de las madres tuvo un efecto indirecto de la pareja en el crecimiento psicológico de los hijos mediante la resiliencia de los hijos. Los resultados tienen consecuencias para mejorar el crecimiento psicológico de los inmigrantes mediante el fortalecimiento de la mentalidad flexible y la consideración de las madres y los hijos como unidad de intervención en los programas de resiliencia.

CX3CR1 regulates angiogenesis and activation of pro-angiogenic factors and triggers macrophage accumulation in experimental hepatopulmonary syndrome model.

OBJECTIVE: Prevalence of hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) ranges from 4% to 47% in patients with cirrhosis. This study aimed to explore possible relationship between CX3CR1 and angiogenesis or macrophage accumulation in pathological process of HPS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Wide-type C57Bl/6 mice were divided into WT-sham, WT-common bile duct ligation (WT-CBDL), WT-CBDL plus antibody (WT-CBDL+Ab) and WT-CBDL plus Bevacizumab. The CX3CR1GFP/GFP mice were grouping into CX3CR1 GFP/GFP-sham, CX3CR1 GFP/GFP-CBDL and CX3CR1 GFP/GFP-CBDL+Bevacizumab group. Intrapulmonary expression of Akt, pAkt, ERK, pERK, iNOS, VEGF, PDGF was measured using biological technology. Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining and immunohistochemical analysis were used to evaluate changes of pulmonary tissues including pathological abnormality, angiogenesis and macrophage accumulation. RESULTS: Blockade CX3CR1 pathway inhibited angiogenesis, macrophage accumulation and pathological changes of lung tissues. Blockade of CX3CR1 pathway reduced pAkt, pERK, iNOS, PDGF and VEGF activation. CX3CR1 contributed to the process of angiogenesis and activate the pro-angiogenic factors. CX3CR1 deficiency obviously reduced the macrophage accumulation. Inhibition of VEGF by Bevacizumab improved intrapulmonary angiogenesis and pathological changes of lung tissues. Inhibition of VEGF by Bevacizumab retarded the production of pAKt, PDGF, and iNOS. Inhibition of VEGF by Bevacizumab reduced CX3CL1 production. CONCLUSION: CX3CR1 could regulate the angiogenesis and activation of pro-angiogenic factors, including pAKT, pERK, iNOS, VEGF and PDGF in the process of hepato-pulmonary syndrome. Moreover, CX3CR1 could also contribute to the macrophage accumulation.

Evaluation and selection of culture media for the detection of auxin-like compounds and phosphate solubilization on soil yeasts.

The detection of characteristics associated with plant growth promotion has been studied frequently on bacteria and some of these detection methods were also used on yeasts. Sometimes, these methods, designed for prokaryotes, were used with no prior analysis regarding growth and production on eukaryotes. The aim of the present study was to assess and select the best suitable media for the detection of auxin-like compound production and inorganic-P solubilization on yeast strains. Already published media and new formulations, as well as yeasts with different genetic backgrounds were used for the comparison. Media were selected based on the adequate growth of yeast strains and reliable recognition of the studied features either by an easy detection of the metabolite (color or halo production) or simple medium preparation (low number of reagent and regular autoclaving). We propose here the use of the new DEV medium with glucose and with tryptophan to identify auxin-like compounds producers; and CPM medium (a variation from Custer's Chalk Medium) as base medium to identify yeasts capable of inorganic-P solubilization.

A spatially explicit empirical model of structural development processes in natural forests based on climate and topography.

Stand structure develops with stand age. Old-growth forests with well-developed stand structure support many species. However, development rates of stand structure likely vary with climate and topography. We modeled structural development of 4 key stand variables and a composite old-growth index as functions of climatic and topographic covariates. We used a hierarchical Bayesian method for analysis of extensive snap-shot National Forest Inventory (NFI) data in Japan (n = 9244) to account for differences in stand age. Development rates of structural variables and the old-growth index exhibited curvilinear responses to environmental covariates. Flat sites were characterized by high rates of structural development. Approximately 150 years were generally required to attain high values (approximately 0.8) of the old-growth index. However, the predicted age to achieve specific values varied depending on environmental conditions. Spatial predictions highlighted regional variation in potential structural development rates. For example, sometimes there were differences of >100 years among sites, even in the same catchment, in attainment of a medium index value (0.5) after timber harvesting. The NFI data suggested that natural forests, especially old natural forests (>150 years), remain generally on unproductive ridges, steep slopes, or areas with low temperature and deep snow, where many structural variables show slow development rates. We suggest that maintenance and restoration of old natural forests on flat sites should be prioritized for conservation due to the likely rapid development of stand structure, although remaining natural forests on low-productivity sites are still important and should be protected.

Un Modelo Empírico Espacialmente Explícito de Procesos de Desarrollo Estructural en Bosques Naturales Basado en el Clima y la Topografía Resumen La estructura de un rodal se desarrolla con la edad. Los bosques maduros con una estructura bien desarrollada dan sustento a muchas especies. Sin embargo, las tasas de desarrollo de los rodales probablemente varían con el clima y la topografía. Modelamos el desarrollo estructural de 4 variables clave de un rodal y un índice de crecimiento antiguo compuesto como funciones de covariables climáticas y topográficas. Utilizamos un método bayesiano jerárquico para analizar datos (n = 9,244) en fotografías del inventario nacional forestal (INF) de Japón para entender las diferencias en la edad de los rodales. Las tasas de desarrollo de las variables estructurales y el índice de crecimiento antiguo mostraron respuestas curvilíneas a las covariables ambientales. Los sitios planos se caracterizaron por altas tasas de desarrollo estructural. Por lo general, se requerían 150 años para alcanzar valores altos (∼0.8) en el índice de crecimiento antiguo. Sin embargo, la edad prevista para alcanzar valores específicos varió dependiendo de las condiciones ambientales. Las predicciones espaciales pusieron de relieve la variación regional en las potenciales tasas de desarrollo estructural. Por ejemplo, a veces había diferencia de >100 años entre sitios, aun en la misma cuenca, en el consecución de un valor de índice medio (0.5) después de la cosecha de madera. Los datos de INF sugieren que los bosques naturales, especialmente los bosques maduros (>150 años) permanecen generalmente en crestas improductivas, pendientes pronunciadas o en áreas con baja temperatura y nieve profunda, donde muchas variables estructurales muestran tasas de desarrollo lentas. Sugerimos que el mantenimiento y la restauración de bosques naturales maduros en sitios planos deben priorizarse para conservación debido al probable desarrollo rápido de la estructura del rodal, aunque los bosques naturales restantes en sitios de baja productividad también son importantes y deben ser protegidos.

Isolation of culturable mycota from Argentinean soils exposed or not-exposed to pesticides and determination of glyphosate tolerance of fungal species in media supplied with the herbicide.

The current agricultural system has led to the development of glyphosate (GP)-resistant weeds, causing an increase in GP doses and applications. Native mycota of pesticide-contaminated sites are the major source of pesticide-degrading microorganisms. The aims of the present study were to isolate the GP-tolerant culturable mycota in two soils with different pesticide exposure from Córdoba, Argentina, and to evaluate the growth parameters in native fungal isolates in the presence of GP and the effective dose that caused 50% growth reduction. The results showed that the genera Fusarium, Aspergillus, Mucor, Penicillium and Sterilia were the prevalent fungi isolated from soils both exposed and not-exposed to pesticides. The highest value (>100mM) of effective concentration of herbicide that caused 50% growth inhibition (EC50), was found for Trichoderma isolates. Sterilia spp. had EC50 values of 100mM, while Aspergillus spp. and Mucor had EC50 values between 50 and 100mM. The growth rate evaluation varied according to the isolates and GP concentrations. The data showed that all Aspergillus spp., Trichoderma spp., Mucor and three Sterilia spp. had the best growth performance in media supplied with GP after a variable acclimation period. This study provides valuable data for further studies that would allow to know the metabolic capacity of these fungal species that can be potential candidates for GP removal from contaminated environments.

Height and weight progression patterns in Mexican children aged between 6 and 12 years and differences with Ramos-Galván growth charts 40 years later.

INTRODUCTION: Children and adolescents weight and height are a reflection of the health status and socioeconomic development of a population. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate height and weight progression patterns of Mexican children and compare them with Dr. Ramos-Galván growth charts 40 years later. METHOD: Cross-sectional survey conducted on the population of the National Physical Activation Program "Ponte al 100", which includes boys and girls aged six to 12 years. RESULTS: 43,670 boys and 44,103 girls were assessed, stratified by gender and age. The height progression pattern between six and 12 years was 21 cm in males and 22 cm in females, whereas the weight progression pattern was 9.86 and 10.05 kg, respectively, for males and females. The proportion of six- and 12-year-old boys who were overweight was 11.2 and 9 %, while 14.7 and 15 % were obese. The proportion of six- and 12-year-old girls who were overweight was 8.2 and 9.1 %, whereas 21.7 and 13.3 %, respectively, were obese. When the obtained values were compared with those of Dr. Ramos Galván growth charts for boys and girls, the average difference was 2 cm. CONCLUSIONS: No secular height or weight increase within the last 40 years was documented.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El peso y la talla de niños y adolescentes son un reflejo del estado de salud y desarrollo socioeconómico de la población. OBJETIVO: Evaluar las progresiones de talla y peso de niños y niñas mexicanos y compararlas con las tablas del doctor Ramos Galván a 40 años de distancia. MÉTODO: Encuesta transversal realizada en población del Programa Nacional de Activación Física Ponte al 100, que incluye niños y niñas de seis a 12 años. RESULTADOS: Se evaluaron 43 670 niños y 44 103 niñas, que se estratificaron por sexo y edad. La progresión de talla entre los seis y 12 años fue de 21 cm en hombres y de 22 cm en mujeres; la progresión de peso fue de 9.86 y 10.05 kg, respectivamente para hombres y mujeres. La proporción de niños de seis y 12 años con sobrepeso fue de 11.2 y 9 % y con obesidad, de 14.7 y 15 %. La proporción de niñas de seis y 12 años con sobrepeso fue de 8.2 y 9.1 % y con obesidad, de 21.7 y 13.3 %, respectivamente. Al comparar los valores obtenidos con los de las tablas del doctor Ramos Galván para niños y niñas, el promedio de diferencia ue de 2 cm. CONCLUSIONES: No se documentó un incremento secular de la talla ni del peso en los últimos 40 años.

Life-history traits and the fate of translocated populations.

Attempts to identify predictors and mechanisms of invasion success have been weakened by poor data quality, mostly because monitoring does not begin immediately after introduction events. To overcome this issue, we used data from conservation translocations of threatened bird species. We analyzed information on >1200 translocation events of >150 bird species to investigate how life-history traits affect population establishment measured based on rates of survival and reproduction. Species position along the slow-fast life-history continuum was a key predictor of translocation success. Species with fast-paced life histories were less likely to survive (over both short- and mid-term) and more likely to breed successfully than species with slow life histories. The temporal partitioning of reproductive effort (number of clutches per year) also affected the probability of successful reproduction. Our results illustrate how conservation-motivated reintroduction programs can provide proxies for the initial stages of the invasion process, enabling empirical tests of predictions from life-history theory and informing management.

Atributos de las Historias de Vida y el Destino de las Poblaciones Reubicadas Resumen Los intentos por identificar los pronosticadores y los mecanismos del éxito de invasión han sido debilitados por la poca calidad de los datos, principalmente porque el monitoreo no inicia inmediatamente después de los eventos de introducción. Para superar este tema, usamos datos a partir de las reubicaciones por conservación de especies amenazadas de aves. Analizamos la información de más de 1,200 eventos de reubicación para más de 150 especies de aves y así investigar cómo los atributos de las historias de vida afectan el establecimiento de la población medido con base en tasas de supervivencia y reproducción. La posición de las especies a lo largo del continuo de historias de vida lenta-rápida fue un pronosticador importante para el éxito de la reubicación. Las especies con historias de vida rápidas tuvieron una menor posibilidad de sobrevivir (tanto a corto como a mediano plazo) y una mayor probabilidad de reproducirse exitosamente que las especies con historias de vida lentas. La división temporal del esfuerzo reproductivo (número de puestas por año) también afectó la probabilidad del éxito de la reproducción. Nuestros resultados ilustran cómo los programas de reintroducción motivados por la conservación pueden proporcionar sustitutos para los estadios iniciales del proceso de invasión, permitiendo pruebas empíricas a partir de la teoría de la historia de vida e informando a los administradores.

Development and removal ability of non-toxigenic Aspergillus section Flavi in presence of atrazine, chlorpyrifos and endosulfan.

This study evaluated the in vitro effect of three concentrations of atrazine, chlorpyrifos and endosulfan on the growth parameters of four non-toxigenic Aspergillus section Flavi strains. The ability of the strains to remove these pesticides in a synthetic medium was also determined. Growth parameters were measured on soil extract solid medium supplied with 5, 10 and 20mg/l of each pesticide, and conditioned to -0.70, -2.78, -7.06 and -10.0 water potential (MPa). Removal assays were performed in Czapek Doc medium (CZD) supplied with 20mg/l of each pesticide under optimal environmental conditions (-2.78 of MPa and 25°C). The residual levels of each pesticide were detected by the reversed-phase HPLC/fluorescence detection system. The lag phases of the strains significantly decreased in the presence of the pesticides with respect to the control media. This result indicates a fast adaptation to the conditions assayed. Similarly, the mycelial growth rates in the different treatments increased depending on pesticide concentrations. Aspergillus oryzae AM 1 and AM 2 strains showed high percentages of atrazine degradation (above 90%), followed by endosulfan (56 and 76%) and chlorpyrifos (50 and 73%) after 30 days of incubation. A significant (p<0.001) correlation (r=0.974) between removal percentages and growth rate was found. This study shows that non-toxigenic Aspergillus section Flavi strains from agricultural soils are able to effectively grow in the presence of high concentrations of atrazine, chlorpyrifos and endosulfan under a wide range of MPa conditions. Moreover, these strains have the ability to remove high levels of these pesticides in vitro in a short time.

Predicting reintroduction outcomes for highly vulnerable species that do not currently coexist with their key threats.

Predicting reintroduction outcomes before populations are released is inherently challenging. It becomes even more difficult when the species being considered for reintroduction no longer coexists with the key threats limiting its distribution. However, data from other species facing the same threats can be used to make predictions under these circumstances. We used an integrated Bayesian modeling approach to predict growth of a reintroduced population at a range of predator densities when no data are available for the species in the presence of that predator. North Island Saddlebacks (Philesturnus rufusater) were extirpated from mainland New Zealand by exotic mammalian predators, particularly ship rats (black rats [Rattus rattus]) but are now being considered for reintroduction to sites with intensive predator control. We initially modeled data from previous saddleback reintroductions to predator-free sites to predict population growth at a new predator-free site while accounting for random variation in vital rates among sites. We then predicted population growth at different rat-tracking rates (an index of rat density) by incorporating a previously modeled relationship between rat-tracking and vital rates of another predator-sensitive species, the North Island Robin (Petroica longipes), and accounted for greater vulnerability of saddlebacks to rat predation based on information on historical declines of both species. The results allowed population growth to be predicted as a function of management effort while accounting for uncertainty, which means formal decision analysis could be used to decide whether to proceed with a reintroduction. Similar approaches could be applied to other situations where data on the species of interest are limited and provide an alternative to decision making based solely on expert judgment.

[Growth and photochemical efficiency of photosystem ii in seedlings of two varieties of Capsicum annuum L. inoculated with rhizobacteria and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi]. / Crecimiento y eficiencia fotoquímica del fotosistema ii en plántulas de 2 variedades de Capsicum annuum L. inoculadas con rizobacterias u hongos micorrícicos arbusculares.

Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are a biological alternative for the sustainable management of Capsicum annuum L. This research work evaluated the effects of both PGPR and AMF on bell pepper and jalapeno pepper plants. Five bacterial strains isolated from several locations in Estado de Mexico were used: [P61 (Pseudomonas tolaasii), A46 (P. tolaasii), R44 (Bacillus pumilus), BSP1.1 (Paenibacillus sp.), and OLs-Sf5 (Pseudomonas sp.)], and three treatments with AMF [H1 (consortium isolated from pepper crops in the State of Puebla), H2 (Rhizophagus intraradices), and H3 (consortium isolated from the rhizosphere of lemon trees, State of Tabasco)]. In addition, a fertilized treatment (Steiner nutrient solution at 25%) and an unfertilized control were included. Seedlings of "Caloro" jalapeno pepper and "California Wonder" bell pepper were inoculated with AMF at seed sowing, and PGPR were inoculated after 15 days of seedling emergence; seedlings were grown under plant growth chamber conditions. P61 bacterium and H1 AMF consortia were the most effective microorganisms for jalapeno pepper whereas R44 bacterium and AMF H3 and H1 were the most effective for bell peppers, when compared to the unfertilized control. Furthermore, P61 and R44 bacteria showed beneficial effects on PSII efficiency.

Growth modeling to control (in vitro) Fusarium verticillioides and Rhizopus stolonifer with thymol and carvacrol.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activity (in vitro) of thymol and carvacrol alone or in mixtures against Fusarium verticillioides and Rhizopus stolonifer, and to obtain primary growth models. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was evaluated with fungal radial growth with thymol or carvacrol concentrations (0-1600mg/l). Mixtures were evaluated using concentrations below MIC values. Radial growth curves were described by the modified Gompertz equation. MIC values of carvacrol were 200mg/l for both fungi. Meanwhile, MIC values of thymol were between 500 and 400mg/l for F. verticillioides and R. stolonifer, respectively. A synergistic effect below MIC concentrations for carvacrol (100mg/l) and thymol (100-375mg/l) was observed. Significant differences (p<0.05) between the Gompertz parameters for the antimicrobial concentrations and their tested mixtures established an inverse relationship between antimicrobial concentration and mycelial development of both fungi. Modified Gompertz parameters can be useful to determine fungistatic concentrations.

The effect of young children's faeces disposal practices on child growth: evidence from 34 countries.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the relationship between child faeces disposal and child growth in low- and middle-income countries. METHODS: We analysed caregiver responses and anthropometric data from Demographic and Health Surveys (2005-2014) for 202 614 children under five and 82 949 children under two to examine the association between child faeces disposal and child growth. RESULTS: Child faeces disposal in an improved toilet was associated with reduced stunting for children under five [adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) = 0.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.89-0.92] and a 0.12 increase in height-for-age z-score (HAZ; 95% CI: 0.10-0.15) among all households. Among households with improved sanitation access, practicing improved child faeces disposal was still associated with a decrease in stunting (aPR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.91-0.96) and a 0.09 increase in HAZ (95% CI: 0.06-0.13). Improved child faeces disposal was also associated with reductions in underweight and wasting, and an increase in weight-for-age z-score (WAZ), but not an increase in weight-for-height z-score (WHZ). Community coverage level of improved child faeces disposal was also associated with stunting, with 75-100% coverage associated with the greatest reduction in stunting. Child faeces disposal in an unimproved toilet was associated with reductions in underweight and wasting, but not stunting. CONCLUSIONS: Improved child faeces disposal practices could achieve greater reductions in child undernutrition than improving toilet access alone. Additionally, the common classification of child faeces disposal as 'safe' regardless of the type of toilet used for disposal may underestimate the benefits of disposal in an improved toilet and overestimate the benefits of disposal in an unimproved toilet.

Acromegaly and associated tumours: what should gastroenterologists know? / Acromegalia y tumores asociados: ¿qué debemos saber los gastroenterólogos?

Acromegaly is a clinical syndrome caused by the excessive production of growth hormone. It is associated with high morbidity and significantly increased mortality, mainly due to cardiovascular and respiratory complications, and cancer. Mortality is reduced to that of the general population following successful treatment, in other words, when insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) and growth hormone values return to normal levels. Not all tumours associated with this syndrome benefit from cost-effective early diagnosis programmes. An in-depth knowledge on the part of clinicians of the morbidity and mortality associated with acromegaly, allowing them in many cases to anticipate the expected clinical course of the disease, is the best therapeutic and follow-up strategy in these patients.

CAREGIVER-CHILD INTERACTION, CAREGIVER TRANSITIONS, AND GROUP SIZE AS MEDIATORS BETWEEN INTERVENTION CONDITION AND ATTACHMENT AND PHYSICAL GROWTH OUTCOMES IN INSTITUTIONALIZED CHILDREN.

This report describes a secondary analysis of data from a comprehensive intervention project which included training and structural changes in three Baby Homes in St. Petersburg, Russian Federation. Multiple mediator models were tested according to the R.M. Baron and D.A. Kenny () causal-steps approach to examine whether caregiver-child interaction quality, number of caregiver transitions, and group size mediated the effects of the intervention on children's attachment behaviors and physical growth. The study utilized a subsample of 163 children from the original Russian Baby Home project, who were between 11 and 19 months at the time of assessment. Results from comparisons of the training and structural changes versus no intervention conditions are presented. Caregiver-child interaction quality and number of caregiver transitions fully mediated the association between intervention condition and attachment behavior. No other mediation was found. Results suggest that the quality of interaction between caregivers and children in institutional care is of primary importance to children's development, but relationship context may play a less direct mediational role, supporting caregiver-child interactions.

Assessment of growth of Aspergillus spp. from agricultural soils in the presence of glyphosate.

Agriculture is one of the bases of the Argentine economy. Glyphosate is undoubtedly one of the most important herbicides used. The increasing consumption and the efficiency of glyphosate-based herbicides have encouraged several studies on their persistence in soils, their effects on soil microbiota and their degradation processes. Fungi have been reported as being the main herbicide-degrading microorganisms as well as the most tolerant to environmental stress conditions. This study evaluated the growth performance of Aspergillus section Flavi and Aspergillus niger aggregate strains on Czapek Dox media supplied with a commercial glyphosate formulation as sole source of carbon (CZC), phosphorus (CZP) or nitrogen (CZN). Six Aspergillus spp. strains were evaluated. Each medium was stab-inoculated with fungal spores from 7-day old cultures. Two measures of colony radii were taken daily. All of the Aspergillus section Flavi strains showed a significant increase (from 24 to 44%) in growth rate on the CZN medium, as compared to controls. The A. niger aggregate strains exhibited the same behavioral pattern under all the conditions tested, except on the CZN medium. Velutinous or slightly floccose colonies with abundant sporulation were observed on CZP. Moreover, the colonies produced sparse sporulation on CZC or CZN media, being their appearances completely different from those on the CZP medium. This study establishes that A. section Flavi and A. niger aggregate strains can grow in vitro in the presence of glyphosate, especially when it is used as a sole source of phosphorus or nitrogen.

Azotobacter chroococcum as a potentially useful bacterial biofertilizer for cotton (Gossypium hirsutum): Effect in reducing N fertilization.

The aim of this research was to evaluate whether the application of two plant growth-promoting (rhizo)bacteria might reduce nitrogen fertilization doses in cotton. We used strains Azotobacter chroococcum AC1 and AC10 for their proven ability to promote seed germination and cotton growth. These microorganisms were characterized by their plant growth-promoting activities. Then, we conducted a glasshouse study to evaluate the plant growth promoting ability of these strains with reduced doses of urea fertilization in cotton. Results revealed that both strains are capable of fixing nitrogen, solubilizing phosphorus, synthesizing indole compounds and producing hydrolytic enzymes. After 12 weeks, the glasshouse experiment showed that cotton growth was positively influenced due to bacterial inoculation with respect to chemical fertilization. Notably, we observed that microbial inoculation further influenced plant biomass (p<0.05) than nitrogen content. Co-inoculation, interestingly, exhibited a greater beneficial effect on plant growth parameters compared to single inoculation. Moreover, similar results without significant statistical differences were observed among bacterial co-inoculation plus 50% urea and 100% fertilization. These findings suggest that co-inoculation of A. chroococcum strains allow to reduce nitrogen fertilization doses up to 50% on cotton growth. Our results showed that inoculation with AC1 and AC10 represents a viable alternative to improve cotton growth while decreasing the N fertilizer dose and allows to alleviate the environmental deterioration related to N pollution.