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BACKGROUND: Long-distance migratory birds spend most of their annual cycle in non-breeding areas. During this period birds must meet their daily nutritional needs and acquire additional energy intake to deal with future events of the annual cycle. Therefore, patterns of space use and movement may emerge as an efficient strategy to maintain a trade-off between acquisition and conservation of energy during the non-breeding season. However, there is still a paucity of research addressing this issue, especially in trans-hemispheric migratory birds. METHODS: Using GPS-tracking data and a recently developed continuous-time stochastic process modeling framework, we analyzed fine-scale movements in a non-breeding population of Hudsonian godwits (Limosa haemastica), a gregarious long-distance migratory shorebird. Specifically, we evaluated if these extreme migrants exhibit restricted, shared, and periodic patterns of space use on one of their main non-breeding grounds in southern South America. Finally, via a generalized additive model, we tested if the observed patterns were consistent within a circadian cycle. RESULTS: Overall, godwits showed finely-tuned range-residence and periodic movements (each 24-72 h), being similar between day and night. Remarkably, range-resident individuals segregated spatially into three groups. In contrast, a smaller fraction of godwits displayed unpredictable and irregular movements, adding functional connectivity within the population. CONCLUSIONS: In coastal non-breeding areas where resource availability is highly predictable due to tidal cycles, range-resident strategies during both the day and night are the common pattern in a long-distance shorebird population. Alternative patterns exhibited by a fraction of non-resident godwits provide functional connectivity and suggest that the exploratory tendency may be essential for information acquisition and associated with individual traits. The methodological approach we have used contributes to elucidate how the composition of movement phases operates during the non-breeding season in migratory species and can be replicated in non-migratory species as well. Finally, our results highlight the importance of considering movement as a continuum within the annual cycle.

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Allelic variation in the CETS (CENTRORADIALIS, TERMINAL FLOWER 1, SELF PRUNING) gene family controls agronomically important traits in many crops. CETS genes encode phosphatidylethanolamine-binding proteins that have a central role in the timing of flowering as florigenic and anti-florigenic signals. The great expansion of CETS genes in many species suggests that the functions of this family go beyond flowering induction and repression. Here, we characterized the tomato SELF PRUNING 3C (SP3C) gene, and show that besides acting as a flowering repressor it also regulates seed germination and modulates root architecture. We show that loss of SP3C function in CRISPR/Cas9-generated mutant lines increases root length and reduces root side branching relative to the wild type. Higher SP3C expression in transgenic lines promotes the opposite effects in roots, represses seed germination, and also improves tolerance to water stress in seedlings. These discoveries provide new insights into the role of SP paralogs in agronomically relevant traits, and support future exploration of the involvement of CETS genes in abiotic stress responses.

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The current geopolymers have limited mechanical strength against the effect of tension, which makes them susceptible to brittle failure. However, owing to their potential as a sustainable construction material, there is growing interest in improving the poor mechanical properties of geopolymers. This study experimentally investigated crucial properties of polypropylene-fiber-reinforced fly ash-based geopolymer composites. The effects of polypropylene fibers (PPF) addition (0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5% by volume) on the mechanical properties of the geopolymer composites were investigated with respect to compressive and flexural strength, deformation behavior of Young's and shear moduli, and resilience capacity. In addition, scanning electron microscopy was performed to establish the morphology of the geopolymeric matrix and the fiber-matrix interfacial interaction. The addition of PPF significantly increased the flexural strength: compared with the control, at 7 days it was 27% greater for the 0.5% PPF composite and 65% greater for the 1.0% PPF composite. By 14 days it was 31% and 61% greater, respectively. By contrast, the 1.5% PPF composite had lower strength parameters compared with the control because the fiber dispersion increased the porosity. Similar trends were seen for resilience. The SEM observations showed the dispersion of the fibers and helped elucidate the fiber-matrix interaction mechanism.

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Introducción: Las fracturas de tibia representan aproximadamente el 2% de las fracturas del adulto. El enclavado endomedular es hoy el procedimiento de elección para tratar fracturas diafisarias de tibia; sin embargo, esta técnica no está exenta de complicaciones, la desalineación en el plano coronal es una de las más frecuentes y temidas por los cirujanos. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar la relación entre el punto de entrada del clavo y la desalineación en el plano coronal después de la cirugía. Materiales y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo, observacional, entre enero de 2015 y enero de 2019, de pacientes con fracturas diafisarias de tibia, tratadas con clavo endomedular. Se obtuvieron radiografías en el posquirúrgico inmediato y luego cada dos meses, se tuvo en cuenta la radiografía del octavo mes, en la que se observaban signos francos de consolidación ósea, para valorar la alineación tibial. Resultados:Cuando el punto de entrada del clavo fue central, hubo apenas un 0,021 de posibilidades (o 2,1%) de alguna desalineación significativa en el posquirúrgico inmediato y luego de 8 meses. En cambio, cuando fue medial, las posibilidades de una tendencia al valgo fueron >0,85 (u 85%) ya al tomar la primera imagen, i.e., poscirugía; y cuando fue lateral, esta posibilidad se modifica y profundiza según el tiempo transcurrido hasta la imagen lograda en el paciente. Conclusión: Se observó una relación marcada y continua entre el punto de entrada del clavo endomedular y la alineación de la tibia después de la consolidación ósea. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Introduction: Tibial fractures represent approximately 2% of adult fractures. Today, intramedullary nailing is the procedure of choice to treat diaphyseal fractures of the tibia; however, this technique is not exempt from complications, misalignment in the coronal plane is one of the most frequent and feared by surgeons. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between nail entry point and misalignment in the coronal plane after surgery. Materials and Methods: We carried out a retrospective, descriptive, observational study between January 2015 and January 2019 of patients with diaphyseal fractures of the tibia, treated with intramedullary nailing. Radiographs were obtained in the immediate postoperative period and then every two months. The eighth-month radiograph, in which clear signs of bone consolidation could be observed, was taken into account to assess tibial alignment. Results: When the nail entry point was central, there was only a 0.021 chance (or 2.1%) of any significant misalignment in the immediate postoperative period and after 8 months. In contrast, when it was medial, the chances of a valgus tendency were >0.85 (or 85%) already at the first image, i.e., post-surgery; and when it was lateral, this possibility was modified and deepenedaccording to the time elapsed until the image achieved in the patient. Conclusion: A marked and continuous relationship wasobserved between the entry point of the intramedullary nail and the alignment of the tibia after bone consolidation..Level of Evidence: IV

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Blackberry fruits are fresh products with wide market possibilities but of very limited shelf life (3-6 days). To develop preservation alternatives, the effect and interaction of a modified atmosphere packaging and an edible coating based on guar gum were determined on the shelf life and quality properties of blackberry cv. Castilla stored at 5 ℃. Three types of packaging were evaluated: (1) perforated polyethylene terephthalate clamshells, (2) sealed polyethylene terephthalate clamshells, and (3) sealed polyethylene terephthalate clamshells with a polylactic acid film on top. In turn, two types of coating were evaluated: coatings of guar gum solutions at (1) 0.3% and (2) 0.4% in water. During storage, an index of deterioration and different quality properties were evaluated. In the polyethylene terephthalate packages with polylactic acid, an equilibrium modified atmosphere packaging was formed. Weight loss was much lower for the sealed polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene terephthalate + polylactic acid (<2%) compared to fruits in perforated clamshells, with no significant differences between these two types of packaging. It was possible to observe the treatment with an edible coating of 0.3% gum guar and perforated clamshells (guar gum 0.3/N) presented the lowest deterioration rate and preserve the fruit longer time (13 days) although with a high weight loss (23.23%) while the treatment with polyethylene terephthalate and polylactic acid film + edible coating of gum guar (guar gum 03/polylactic acid) kept the samples during 12 days with a lower weight loss (1.75%). This latter combination of equilibrium modified atmosphere packaging with a biodegradable film and the guar gum edible coating can be an interesting treatment from a commercial point of view.

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The bacterial community of the artisanal Adobera cheese from Los Altos de Jalisco was described through high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA gene libraries. Samples were collected in two different seasons (dry and rainy) during four key steps of the manufacturing process (raw milk, fresh curd, matured curd, and cheese). Bacterial diversity was higher in early steps in comparison with the final elaboration stages. Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were the most abundant phyla, strongly represented by the Streptococcaceae, Enterobacteriaceae and Lactobacillaceae families, and core bacteria genera such as Streptococcus spp., Lactococcus spp., and Lactobacillus spp. Undesirable bacteria, including Pseudomonas spp. and Acinetobacter spp., were also detected in raw milk but almost undetectable at the end of the cheese manufacturing process, and seemed to be displaced by lactic-acid bacteria-related genera. Seasonal effects were observed on the community structure but did not define the core microbiota composition. Predictive metabolism was related to membrane transport, and amino-acid, lipid, and carbohydrate metabolism pathways. Our results contribute to deduce the role of bacteria involved in Adobera cheese manufacturing in terms of the metabolism involved, cheese microbial safety, and how undesirable bacterial populations could be regulated by process standardization as a potential tool to improve safety.

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Maize silage is used in the diet of dairy cows, with suitable results in milk yield. In this study, the composition and diversity of the bacterial communities of the silage process of Amarillo Zamorano (AZ) Mexican maize landrace with relation to the Antilope (A) commercial hybrid are described. From both types of maize, seeds were sown in experimental plots, plants harvested at the reproductive stage, chopped, and packed in laboratory micro-silos. Physicochemical parameters were evaluated, and DNA was extracted from the juice in the micro-silos. The bacterial communities were analyzed by next-generation sequencing (NGS) of seven hypervariable regions of the 16S rRNA gene. The composition of both bacterial communities was dominated by Lactobacillales and Enterobacteriales, Lactobacillales mainly in A silage and Enterobacteriales in AZ silage; as well, the core bacterial community of both silages comprises 212 operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Sugar concentration showed the highest number of significant associations with OTUs of different phyla. The structure of the bacterial communities was different in both silage fermentation processes, showing that AZ silage has a shorter fermentation process than A silage. In addition, NGS demonstrated the effect of the type of maize and local conditions on silage fermentation and contributed to potential strategies to improve the quality of AZ silage.

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In this study cut, pineapple slices of 1 cm thick were packaged and stored at different temperatures and equilibrium modified atmosphere packages (EMAPs) to determine changes of color and firmness over time to represent physicochemical shelf life. From the experimental data, a variance analysis was performed to determine the effect of temperature and O2 level on the evolution of color (CIELAB coordinates) and firmness. It was observed that the evolution in L* , a* , and b* coordinates is independent on O2 concentration in the EMAP system. After that, suitable models were adjusted to represent the change of the quality properties as a function of temperature by using first-order models to represent color and a power model for firmness. Likewise, a modified normal distribution function was adjusted to represent the coefficient of firmness loss depending on the O2 level besides the temperature effect. The firmness model was used to obtain a suitable equation to predict shelf life of the pineapple slices for different EMAP systems. Finally, a validation experiment was performed at 8 °C obtaining a high capacity of prediction (R2 adj > 0.90) compared with the experimental data. The adjusted model can be used to configure a satisfactory EMAP system for the best preservation of minimally processed pineapple from the predicted evolution of color, firmness, and shelf life depending on temperature and O2 concentration. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: In this work, we built a mathematical model to simulate the shelf life of pineapple cut into slices based on changes in color and firmness and as a function of temperature and oxygen level. These properties are truly relevant because they are very clear evidence of the fruit deterioration, and for that reason, we chose them for the model. The model we developed can be applied in retail and supermarket systems to determine precisely how long the product on the shelf can last before being disposed of, reducing material losses.

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Human presence at intertidal areas could impact coastal biodiversity, including migratory waterbird species and the ecosystem services they provide. Assessing this impact is therefore essential to develop management measures compatible with migratory processes and associated biodiversity. Here, we assess the effects of human presence on the foraging opportunities of Hudsonian godwits (Limosa haemastica, a trans-hemispheric migratory shorebird) during their non-breeding season on Chiloé Island, southern Chile. We compared bird density and time spent foraging in two similar bays with contrasting disturbance levels: human presence (mostly seaweed harvesters accompanied by dogs) was on average 0.9±0.4 people per 10 ha in the disturbed bay, whereas it was negligible (95% days absent) in the non-disturbed bay. Although overall abundances were similar between bays, godwit density was higher in the non-disturbed bay throughout the low tide period. Both days after the start of the non-breeding season and tidal height significantly affected godwit density, with different effects in either bay. Time spent foraging was significantly higher in the non-disturbed bay (86.5±1.1%) than in the disturbed one (81.3±1.4%). As expected, godwit density significantly decreased with the number of people and accompanying dogs in the disturbed bay. Our results indicate that even a low density of people and dogs can significantly reduce the foraging opportunities of shorebirds. These constraints, coupled with additional flushing costs, may negatively affect godwits' pre-migratory fattening. Hence, as a first step we suggest limiting human presence within bays on Chiloé to 1 person per 10 ha and banning the presence of accompanying dogs in sensitive conservation areas.

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In this study, 'Hass' avocado samples were stored at different temperatures to determine changes in firmness, color and other physicochemical support properties throughout the storage time and to represent shelf life depending on temperature from the evolution of these quality properties. From the experimental data, a set of models were adjusted to represent the change of each property as a function of time and temperature by using a first-order kinetics to represent the evolution of lightness (L*) and the chromatic coordinate b*, and a logistic equation to represent firmness and a*. The effect of temperature was represented by using Arrhenius equations. From the models of firmness and color, suitable equations were obtained to predict shelf life considering the relationship with the senescence stage (between 20 and 33 days). All the models were adjusted satisfactorily, obtaining regression coefficients higher than 0.95. In order to determine the predictive capacity of the proposed models, a validation experiment was carried out by storing fruits at 12 ℃ until reaching the senescence stage. With the models, it was possible to satisfactorily predict the changes in color and firmness and it was possible to estimate the shelf life time at 12 ℃ (28 ± 3.1 days).

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Sanitation (which includes national public policies for drinking water, sewage services and waste management) is precarious in Brazil and therefore poses a challenge to a range of actors. Poor sanitation impacts public health, education, the environment, and daily life. Globally, it emits increasing greenhouse gases. Universalization of any major public service appears difficult, if not impossible; however, Brazil's program to universalize access to electricity proves the opposite, as will be shown in this paper. By describing the successful implementation of electricity for everyone, we show that planned public efforts, coordinated with private initiatives and local communities, have worked, and the same can be achieved for the sanitation sector. An overview of all sectors that touch on sanitation and emissions is also provided, highlighting the challenges and possibilities for infrastructure projects.

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Introducción: Con las técnicas contemporáneas de reducción y osteosíntesis, la mayoría de las fracturas intertrocantéricas de cadera y de cuello femoral suelen consolidar sin problemas. La mayoría de estas fracturas se tratan mediante reducción cerrada y fijación interna con excelentes resultados. El fracaso terapéutico, por lo general, conduce a dolor y discapacidad funcional. En estos casos, los posibles tratamientos se reducen a dos, si se exceptúa el manejo conservador para pacientes críticos, una opción es una nueva osteosíntesis o la artroplastia total de cadera. La valguización de la falla de las fracturas tiene como objetivo transformar las fuerzas de cizallamiento de la zona de seudoartrosis en fuerzas compresivas, estimulando así la consolidación de las fracturas. Materiales y Métodos: Se evaluó retrospectivamente a 14 pacientes con seudoartrosis de fracturas intertrocantéricas de cadera, entre enero de 2010 y febrero de 2014, operados en nuestra institución. Todos fueron sometidos a una revisión con el objetivo de lograr una posición en valgo del fragmento proximal fijado siempre con clavo-placa de 95º (AO/ASIF). El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los resultados clínicos y radiológicos de seudoartrosis de fracturas intertrocantéricas de cadera. Resultados: Se logró la consolidación de la fractura en los 14 pacientes. El tiempo de consolidación promedio varió de tres a seis meses. El puntaje de Harris promedio para la valoración subjetiva fue de 82,65. En ningún caso, se extrajo el material luego de la consolidación de la fractura. Conclusión: El clavo-placa de 95º (AO/ASIF) sigue siendo una muy buena opción en los casos de seudoartrosis de fémur proximal, siempre que la planificación preoperatoria y la técnica quirúrgica sean correctas, y el posoperatorio sea adecuado.

Introduction: Contemporary techniques for reduction and internal fixation make most femoral neck and intertrochanteric hip fractures heal without problems. Most of these fractures are treated with closed reduction and internal fixation achieving excellent results. Treatment failure of hip fractures usually leads to pain and disability. Therapeutic alternatives can be limited to two options, with the exception of the conservative non-operative treatment in critical patients: a new fixation system or an arthroplasty. The valgus osteotomy aims to transform the shear forces in the area of nonunion into compressive forces, thereby stimulating fracture healing. Methods: Fourteen patients with intertrochanteric hip fracture nonunion were retrospectively evaluated between January 2010 and February 2014. All patients underwent revision surgery in order to achieve a valgus position of the proximal fragment, using a 95º blade plate (AO/ASIF). The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of intertrochanteric hip fracture nonunion treated with this method. Results: Fracture healing was achieved in all 14 patients. Average healing time ranged from three to six months. The Harris score averaged 82.65. Hardware removal was not performed after fracture healing. Conclusion: The 95° blade plate is still a very good option in cases of proximal femur nonunion, provided the preoperative planning and the surgical technique are correct and the postoperative care is adequate.

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The objective of this study was to identify the organic compounds removed from the leachate when treated with Fenton-Adsorption by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in order to identify toxic compounds that could be harmful for the environment or human health. The physicochemical characterization of the raw leachate was carried out before and after the Fenton-Adsorption process. The effluent from each stage of this process was characterized: pH, Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD(5)), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Total Carbon (TC), Inorganic Carbon (IC), Total Solids (TS), Total Suspended Solids (TSS) and Color. The organic compounds were determined by GC-MS. The removal of COD and color reached over 99% in compliance with the Mexican Standard NOM-001-SEMARNAT-1996, which establishes the maximum permissible limits for contaminants present in wastewater discharges to water and national goods. The chromatographic analysis from the Fenton-Adsorption effluent proved that this treatment removed more than 98% of the organic compounds present in the initial sample. The mono (2-ethylhexyl) ester 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid persisted, although it is not considered as toxic compound by the NOM-052-SEMARNAT-2005. Therefore, the treated effluent can be safely disposed of into the environment.

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The biological removal of hydrogen sulfide at low concentration (<120 ppmv) was studied in a laboratory-scale biofilter packed with sugarcane bagasse and inoculated with a sulfur-oxidizing bacterial consortium isolated from activated sludge from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Inlet loads from 1.31 to 20.2 g Sm(-3) h(-1) were supplied to the biofilter, and empty bed residence times (EBRTs) of 30, 20 and 10 s were tested. In all cases, the removal efficiency was greater than 99%. Two methods for the pH control were tested: increasing the phosphate buffer capacity of the mineral medium (method I), and a new method, which involves the addition of solid CaCO(3) to the bagasse at the upper inlet of the biofilter (method II). For method I, pH increased gradually along the bed (from the bottom to the top), from a constant value of 3.0 to 7.0. For method II, pH was constant (2.4 ± 0.8) along the bed, and then a steep increase of pH was observed at the top to 7.1. We suggest the use of CaCO(3) instead of phosphate buffer because the former is less expensive, it is a simple method and the results obtained with the two methods are similar.

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En el presente estudio retrospectivo de 96 fracturas acetabulares, utilizamos el abordaje ilioinguinal en 21 casos (22 por ciento), de los cuales en 3 (3,1 por ciento) fue combinado con el abordaje de Kocher-Langenbeck. De las 21 fracturas en estudio, 8 (38 por ciento) fueron de tipo simple y 13 (62 por ciento) de tipo complejo, según la clasificación propuesta por Judet y Letoumel. Obtuvimos un 81 por ciento de reducciones satisfactorias y un 19 por ciento de reducciones insatisfactorias, siendo la demora del tratamiento quirúrgico, el principal factor interviniente en la calidad de reducción. Los resultados clínicos evaluados según la escala de Merle D'Aubigne fueron del 72 por ciento entre excelentes y buenos. El tiempo promedio de seguimiento fue de 5 años. El índice de complicaciones fue extremadamente bajo, siendo la artrosis postraumática, la principal.

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En el presente estudio retrospectivo de 96 fracturas acetabulares, utilizamos el abordaje ilioinguinal en 21 casos (22 por ciento), de los cuales en 3 (3,1 por ciento) fue combinado con el abordaje de Kocher-Langenbeck. De las 21 fracturas en estudio, 8 (38 por ciento) fueron de tipo simple y 13 (62 por ciento) de tipo complejo, según la clasificación propuesta por Judet y Letoumel. Obtuvimos un 81 por ciento de reducciones satisfactorias y un 19 por ciento de reducciones insatisfactorias, siendo la demora del tratamiento quirúrgico, el principal factor interviniente en la calidad de reducción. Los resultados clínicos evaluados según la escala de Merle DAubigne fueron del 72 por ciento entre excelentes y buenos. El tiempo promedio de seguimiento fue de 5 años. El índice de complicaciones fue extremadamente bajo, siendo la artrosis postraumática, la principal.(AU)

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