Microalgae-Based Biorefineries: Challenges and Future Trends to Produce Carbohydrate Enriched Biomass, High-Added Value Products and Bioactive Compounds.

Microalgae have demonstrated a large potential in biotechnology as a source of various macromolecules (proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids) and high-added value products (pigments, poly-unsaturated fatty acids, peptides, exo-polysaccharides, etc.). The production of biomass at a large scale becomes more economically feasible when it is part of a biorefinery designed within the circular economy concept. Thus, the aim of this critical review is to highlight and discuss challenges and future trends related to the multi-product microalgae-based biorefineries, including both phototrophic and mixotrophic cultures treating wastewater and the recovery of biomass as a source of valuable macromolecules and high-added and low-value products (biofertilizers and biostimulants). The therapeutic properties of some microalgae-bioactive compounds are also discussed. Novel trends such as the screening of species for antimicrobial compounds, the production of bioplastics using wastewater, the circular economy strategy, and the need for more Life Cycle Assessment studies (LCA) are suggested as some of the future research lines.

Characterization of masculinity expressions and their influence on the participation of women in Mexican small-scale fisheries.

The objective of this study was to document and characterize the different expressions of masculinity and their influence on the participation of women in three small-scale fisheries. The fisheries operate in three priority regions for marine conservation: the northern Mexican Pacific, Gulf of California, and Mexican Caribbean. A qualitative investigation and virtual interviews with participants were conducted due to the lockdown measures of the COVID-19 pandemic. Information from 16 interviews (nine women and seven men) were integrated to this study. An analysis of the thematic content of the information was conducted. The results showed a relationship between being a man, being a fisher, and being a member of a fishing cooperative while maintaining a family. Four characterizations of masculinity emerged. In reluctant traditional masculinity, older men believed that their point of view was what mattered, and they did not accept the participation of women in fisheries. Men who fell under the category of flexible traditional masculinity accepted the participation of women in the working areas of the fisheries. Men associated with transitional masculinity were those who incorporated notions of gender equality and who were open to the participation of women in fisheries. Men connected with apprentice masculinity were mostly young people who depended on their supervisors to guide them. Apprentice masculinity may develop into traditional masculinity or move towards gender equality. The discussion incorporates an analysis of the benefits of changing masculinities regarding health, avoiding risks, and accepting the participation of women in fisheries. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40152-022-00276-z.

Pontederia sagittata and Cyperus papyrus contribution to carbon storage in floating treatment wetlands established in subtropical urban ponds.

Carbon sequestration is considered an ecosystem service of regulation provided by diverse ecosystems, including wetlands. It has been widely evaluated in the soil of natural wetlands while in constructed wetlands, there is scanty information. In Floating Treatment Wetlands (FTW) there is none. Previously, our research group reported the efficient performance of FTW in an urban polluted pond for two years. As a follow up, the aim of this work was to investigate the contribution of Cyperus papyrus and Pontederia sagittata to carbon storage (CS) in four FTW established in eutrophic urban ponds in a subtropical region. Plant growth, productivity, and CS were assessed in the aboveground biomass of C. papyrus and P. sagittata and the belowground biomass (root mix from C. papyrus and P. sagittata), throughout 26 months in 2 FTW with an area of 17.5 m2 (FTW1) and 33 m2 (FTW2) and throughout 19 months in 2 FTW with an area of 25 m2 (FTW3) and 33 m2 (FTW4), respectively. The macrophyte growth depended on various factors, such as the season, the plant species, and the location of the FTW. High relative growth rate values were found for both species (0.125 and 0.142 d-1 for P. sagittata and C. papyrus, respectively), especially during summer and early autumn. The highest values of productivity were 337 ± 125 gdw m-2d-1 for the aboveground biomass of C. papyrus in FTW2, 311 ± 96.90 gdwm-2d-1 for the aboveground of P. sagittata in FTW1, and 270 ± 107 gdw m-2d-1 for the belowground biomass in FTW2. The mean values of CS for P. sagittata found in FTW1 were 1.90 ± 0.94 kg m-2, while for C. papyrus in FTW2 they were 4.09 ± 0.73 kg m-2. The contribution of the belowground biomass to CS was also significant in FTW2 (4.58 ± 0.59 kg m-2).

Between uncertainty and hope: Young leaders as agents of change in sustainable small-scale fisheries.

The path to sustainable small-scale fisheries (SSF) is based on multiple learning processes that must transcend generational changes. To understand young leaders from communities with sustainable SSF management practices in Mexico, we used in-depth interviews to identify their shared motivations and perceptions for accepting their fishing heritage. These possible future decision-makers act as agents of change due to their organizational and technological abilities. However, young people are currently at a crossroads. Many inherited a passion for the sea and want to improve and diversify the fishing sector, yet young leaders do not want to accept a legacy of complicated socioenvironmental conditions that can limit their futures. These future leaders are especially concerned by the uncertainty caused by climate change. If fishing and generational change are not valued in planning processes, the continuity of fisheries, the success of conservation actions, and the lifestyles of young fishers will remain uncertain.

Marine diversity in the biosphere reserve of the most oceanic island in the Gulf of California: San Pedro Mártir.

San Pedro Mártir island is of high biological, ecological, and fishery importance and was declared a biosphere reserve in 2002. This island is the most oceanic in the Gulf of California, and information on its rocky reefs is scarce. The present study aimed to generate the first list of conspicuous invertebrate and fish species based on in situ observations and to examine the community structure of the shallow rocky reefs of the reserve. In addition, we estimated the ecological indicators of richness, abundance, Shannon diversity, and Pielou evenness to evaluate the conservation status of the biosphere reserve. Data were collected annually from 2007 to 2017 through 2,192 underwater SCUBA transects. A total of 35 species of invertebrates and 73 species of fish were recorded. Most of the species are widely distributed along the eastern Pacific. Overall, 64% of the species found in this study are commercially important, and 11 species have been listed as protected. The abundance of commercially important invertebrate species (i.e., the sea cucumber Isostichopusfuscus and the spiny oyster Spondyluslimbatus) is decreasing, while commercially important fish species have maintained their abundance with periods of increase. The ecological indicators and the abundance and size of the commercial species indicate that the reserve is in good condition while meeting its conservation objectives.

The voice of Mexican small-scale fishers in times of COVID-19: Impacts, responses, and digital divide.

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically, quickly, and extensively affected fisheries, the effects of which have yet to be quantified globally, although some efforts have already been made locally and regionally. This study provides insights regarding the impacts of the pandemic in Mexican small-scale fisheries, explores community responses and digital divide. A total of 1493 interviews were conducted, and a social media analysis that reviewed 9079 posts from April to December 2020 was performed. The results show large socio-economic and environmental impacts (e.g. 89% of the markets closed in April, and 72% of respondents perceived an increase in the amount of solid waste). Women have faced increased inequalities when accessing fishing resources or healthcare. Responses have been varied and include closing communities, and fishing organizations distributing emergency funds. Fishers relate feeling very or moderately comfortable with technology and have spent more time using digital platforms during the pandemic than before. While the effects are still unfolding, there is an urgent need to breach the digital divide to guarantee equal opportunities for all. Efforts are needed to ensure that the most vulnerable groups (e.g. women, indigenous people, and elderly individuals) are not excluded from opportunities to access, use or manage resources, including technology. This global crisis may also bring opportunities for adaptation and the implementation of local solutions (e.g. reducing the fishing effort for high-value products), to prepare for future shocks. The findings in this study serve to promote development strategies that build resilience in fishing communities for healthier oceans.

Clinical management of Anti-TNF-alpha-induced psoriasis or psoriasiform lesions in inflammatory bowel disease patients: a systematic review.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors (anti-TNF-α) completely revolutionized the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, anti-TNF-α-induced cutaneous side effects have been increasingly reported in the literature. Particularly, psoriasis and the recently recognized psoriasiform lesions are of particular concern, as anti-TNF-α agents are also used in the treatment of psoriasis, seemingly reflecting an immunological paradox. The clinical management of these cutaneous lesions is particularly challenging, owing to the potential need of anti-TNF-α discontinuation and scarcity of other therapeutic options. Therefore, optimization of current topical and systemic therapies and incorporation of new therapeutic agents is of great interest. Our aim is to review data in the literature regarding the clinical management of these cutaneous lesions and provide a therapeutic algorithm, supported by our experience as a tertiary referral center for IBD. Although in older reports no distinction was made, anti-TNF-α-induced psoriasiform lesions are not only more prevalent but also bear notable differences from classical psoriasis, possibly reflecting a different nosological entity. Onset of lesions has been related to periods of IBD remission, as supported by low levels of fecal calprotectin. Psoriasiform lesions can be adequately managed either by topical (glucocorticoids, calcineurin inhibitors, and antibiotics) or systemic (phototherapy, acitretin, glucocorticoids, and antibiotics) therapies and/or switch to other anti-TNF-α agents. Data referring to patients who were able to continue on the same IBD therapy ranged from 30.7 to 100%, reinforcing the importance of an adequate control of these lesions. The recently approved ustekinumab offers another step in the management of anti-TNF-α-intolerant patients.

Potencial económico de la captura de peces de ornato bajo protección federal en México / Economic potential of ornamental fish catching under federal protection in Mexico

ResumenLa pesca de ornamento es una actividad económicamente viable en países en desarrollo debido a que el acuarismo se ha convertido en un pasatiempo mundial. En México la pesca se ha dado desde los 80´s, especialmente en la Península de Baja California, pero no se tiene registro adecuado de la producción comercial, ni de la ganancia económica que se obtiene de la explotación del recurso. El objetivo de este estudio fue calcular el nivel máximo de captura permisible de las cinco especies de peces de ornato incluidas en la NOM-059-SEMARNAT 2010 (protegidas por mandato federal), y la ganancia neta que el recurso podría generar. Se realizaron censos (N= 1 610) en 21 localidades arrecifales del Pacifico mexicano y el Golfo de California, para estimar las densidades poblacionales de cada taxón; también se calculó su tasa de mortalidad natural (M) a partir de la talla máxima (L∞), constante de crecimiento (k) y la temperatura (C), y la captura máxima permisible a partir de M. Finalmente, con los precios que se pagan en playa a los pescadores se hizo una estimación del valor económico que posee cada localidad en una temporada de pesca dada, y dentro de una superficie de 220 hectáreas (representativa del tamaño promedio de la zona de captura asignada a una cooperativa en México). Los resultados indicaron que las localidades en las que la pesca de ornato tiene un mejor potencial económico son las Islas Encantadas, Bahía de los Ángeles y el Archipiélago San Lorenzo (todas en el estado de Baja California). Fuera del golfo (donde no hay pesca legal de ornato actualmente), la mayor rentabilidad potencial la presentan Islas Marietas (Jalisco), y las Islas Revillagigedo. La pesca de ornato puede ser una actividad viable en varias de las zonas analizadas del país, sin embargo, los montos potenciales que la captura representa no son suficientes como para sostener un grupo organizado que la practique; por ello, la pesca de ornato debe verse como una actividad comercial alternativa. Finalmente, para que ésta sea una pesquería rentable y sostenible, se recomienda hacer uso de regulaciones federales ya en existentes, que ayuden a controlar cuotas de captura.

Abstract:Ornamental fisheries are economically viable activities in developing countries due to the fact that aquaria have become a worldwide hobby. In Mexico, the fishery has been conducted since the 1980s, especially in the Baja California Peninsula, but nevertheless, there are no adequate records of commercial production, or about the economic gain due to the exploitation of the resource. The objective of this paper was to calculate the maximum allowable catch for the five ornamental fishes included in the NOM-059-SEMARNAT (protected by federal mandate), and the net monetary gain that the resource might generate. Censuses (N=1 610) were conducted in 21 reef sites of the Mexican Pacific and Gulf of California in order to estimate population density of each taxon; also, natural mortality rate (M) was calculated from maximum size (L∞), individual growth rate (k) and temperature (C), and the total allowable catch was estimated on the basis of M. Finally, considering the prices of the species paid to fishermen at the beach, an estimation of the economic value of a single fishing season for an area of 220 hectares (representative of the catch area assigned in average to a cooperative in Mexico) was produced. The results indicated that the areas with the best economic potential were Encantadas Islands, Los Angeles Bay, and San Lorenzo Archipelago (all in the state of Baja California). Outside of the gulf (where no legal ornamental fisheries exist) the potentially more rentable locations were Marietas Islands (Jalisco), and the Revillagigedo Islands. Aquarium fisheries may be a viable activity in several of the analyzed areas of the country, however, the potential gain that harvest represents is not enough to fully sustain an organized group that would perform it; for that reason the ornamental fishery should be seen as an alternative commercial activity. Finally, to guarantee this activity to be a rentable and sustainable fishery, we recommended that, the existing rules defined by the Mexican federal government should be applied to control the catch quotas. Rev. Biol. Trop. 65 (1): 195-210. Epub 2017 March 01.

Long-term assessment at field scale of Floating Treatment Wetlands for improvement of water quality and provision of ecosystem services in a eutrophic urban pond.

Pollution of urban water bodies requires stringent control measures and the development of low-cost and highly efficient alternative technologies. In contrast to Constructed Wetlands, Floating Treatment Wetlands (FTWs) have the advantage of not requiring large surface of land since they operate in situ. However, there is limited information about their long-term evaluation while operating at field scale. The aim of this work was to assess the performance of FTWs using a combination of Pontederia sagittata and Cyperus papyrus for the improvement of the water quality and provision of ecosystem services of a eutrophic urban pond. The FTWs were built with low-cost material easy to acquire and to ensemble. Two FTWs (17.5m2 and 33m2) located in Pond 1 within a complex of 4 urban artificial ponds were evaluated for two years. They promoted an increase in the dissolved oxygen (D.O.) within a range of 15 to 67%, a removal of fecal coliforms in the range of 9 to 86% and a nitrate removal in the range of 9 to 76%. The plant productivity reached a maximum of 363gdmm-2d-1 in the FTW1 and 536gdmm-2d-1 in the FTW2 during the period March-June 2016. The TKN and the TP content in the plant were in the range of 18.3 to 28.1 and of 0.05 to 0.196gkg-1 dry matter, respectively. In conclusion, the tested FTWs have proved to be a very beneficial low-cost technology for the improvement of water quality and provision of ecosystem services.

[Economic potential of ornamental fish catching under federal protection in Mexico.]. / Potencial económico de la captura de peces de ornato bajo protección federal en México.

Ornamental fisheries are economically viable activities in developing countries due to the fact that aquaria have become a worldwide hobby. In Mexico, the fishery has been conducted since the 1980s, especially in the Baja California Peninsula, but nevertheless, there are no adequate records of commercial production, or about the economic gain due to the exploitation of the resource. The objective of this paper was to calculate the maximum allowable catch for the five ornamental fishes included in the NOM-059-SEMARNAT (protected by federal mandate), and the net monetary gain that the resource might generate. Censuses (N=1 610) were conducted in 21 reef sites of the Mexican Pacific and Gulf of California in order to estimate population density of each taxon; also, natural mortality rate (M) was calculated from maximum size (L∞), individual growth rate (k) and temperature (C), and the total allowable catch was estimated on the basis of M. Finally, considering the prices of the species paid to fishermen at the beach, an estimation of the economic value of a single fishing season for an area of 220 hectares (representative of the catch area assigned in average to a cooperative in Mexico) was produced. The results indicated that the areas with the best economic potential were Encantadas Islands, Los Angeles Bay, and San Lorenzo Archipelago (all in the state of Baja California). Outside of the gulf (where no legal ornamental fisheries exist) the potentially more rentable locations were Marietas Islands (Jalisco), and the Revillagigedo Islands. Aquarium fisheries may be a viable activity in several of the analyzed areas of the country, however, the potential gain that harvest represents is not enough to fully sustain an organized group that would perform it; for that reason the ornamental fishery should be seen as an alternative commercial activity. Finally, to guarantee this activity to be a rentable and sustainable fishery, we recommended that, the existing rules defined by the Mexican federal government should be applied to control the catch quotas.