Specialized diving traits in the generalist morphology of Fulica (Aves, Rallidae).

Foot-propelled diving comprises the primary locomotion-based feeding strategy for many birds, including families such as Phalacrocoracidae, Anhingidae, Podicipedidae, Gaviidae, and the diving ducks within Anatidae. While the morphology of specialized divers is well known, the corresponding morphology is less known for birds not as specialized but capable of diving, such as the coots (Rallidae, Fulica spp.). To compare the osteology of Fulica with other (non-diving) Rallidae, and with foot-propelled diving birds that are distantly related, we considered osteological characters, as well as the proportion of the hind limb bones and the femoral splay angle to construct a phylomorphospace, and to perform a comparative disparity analysis considering ecomorphologically relevant characters related to swimming and diving. Coots resulted to be significantly disparate from other Rallidae showing many traits of specialized foot-propelled divers, but only noticeable when compared with other rallids, as the degree of development of these traits is markedly less than in loons, grebes, or cormorants. This may correspond to a stabilizing selection of characteristics associated with a generalist morphology in Fulica. Studying adaptation in generalist taxa broadens our understanding of ecomorphologically significant features, thereby enabling us to generalize their evolutionary patterns.

Optimizing industrial transport with a connected automated vehicle demonstrator for assembly systems and end-of-line production.

In recent years, the automotive industry has witnessed significant progress in the development of automated driving technologies. The integration of advanced sensors and systems in vehicles has led to the emergence of various functionalities, such as driving assistance and autonomous driving. Applying these technologies on the assembly line can enhance the efficiency, safety, and speed of transportation, especially at end-of-line production. This work presents a connected automated vehicle (CAV) demonstrator for generating autonomous driving systems and services for the automotive industry. Our prototype electric vehicle is equipped with state-of-the-art sensors and systems for perception, localization, navigation, and control. We tested various algorithms and tools for transforming the vehicle into a self-driving platform, and the prototype was simulated and tested in an industrial environment as proof of concept for integration into assembly systems and end-of-line transport. Our results show the successful integration of self-driving vehicle platforms in the automotive industry, particularly in factory halls. We demonstrate the localization, navigation, and communication capabilities of our prototype in a demo area. This work anticipates a significant increase in efficiency and operating cost reduction in vehicle manufacturing, despite challenges such as current low traveling speeds and high equipment costs. Ongoing research aims to enhance safety for higher vehicle speeds, making it a more viable business case for manufacturers, considering the increasing standardization of automated driving equipment in cars. The main contribution of this paper lies in introducing the general concept architecture of the integration of automated driving functionalities in end-of-line assembly and production systems. Showing a case study of the effective development and implementation of such functionalities with a CAV demonstrator in a more standardized industrial operational design domain.

Implementation of a Real-Time Brain-to-Brain Synchrony Estimation Algorithm for Neuroeducation Applications.

This study centers on creating a real-time algorithm to estimate brain-to-brain synchronization during social interactions, specifically in collaborative and competitive scenarios. This type of algorithm can provide useful information in the educational context, for instance, during teacher-student or student-student interactions. Positioned within the context of neuroeducation and hyperscanning, this research addresses the need for biomarkers as metrics for feedback, a missing element in current teaching methods. Implementing the bispectrum technique with multiprocessing functions in Python, the algorithm effectively processes electroencephalography signals and estimates brain-to-brain synchronization between pairs of subjects during (competitive and collaborative) activities that imply specific cognitive processes. Noteworthy differences, such as higher bispectrum values in collaborative tasks compared to competitive ones, emerge with reliability, showing a total of 33.75% of significant results validated through a statistical test. While acknowledging progress, this study identifies areas of opportunity, including embedded operations, wider testing, and improved result visualization. Beyond academia, the algorithm's utility extends to classrooms, industries, and any setting involving human interactions. Moreover, the presented algorithm is shared openly, to facilitate implementations by other researchers, and is easily adjustable to other electroencephalography devices. This research not only bridges a technological gap but also contributes insights into the importance of interactions in educational contexts.

Critical Electrospinning Parameters for Synthesis Control of Stabilized Polyacrylonitrile Nanofibers.

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers are widely used as precursors in the manufacture of high-conducting and mechanically resistant carbon fibers. The modulation of such fibers is carried out through electrospinning. In this work, we show the production and control of the morphology of nanometric-range PAN fibers for their potential use as precursors for high-electrical-conductivity carbon fibers. PAN samples dissolved in dimethylformamide (DMF) were prepared at 6, 10, and 12% w/w, at 15 and 25 kV. The impact of the rotation of the collector drum at 100, 300, and 500 RPM was also studied. It was found that the percentage of PAN in the solution proportionally affects the diameter of the fibers and that the preparation potential affects the morphology. The rotation speed, when increased, decreases the diameter, and it has a negative impact on the morphology. Fibers prepared with 6% w/w at 15 kV and 500 RPM show 90 nm diameters, the smallest diameter of all the samples.

Prevalencia de Complicaciones de Post Exodoncia de Terceros Molares / Prevalence of Post-Extraction Complications of Third Molars

El Centro de Salud Familiar (CESFAM) de San Pedro de Atacama, es el único establecimiento de Atención de salud en la comuna y alrededores, se hace imperativo para los Cirujanos Dentistas ser resolutivos y entregar una solución efectiva a la demanda local. El objetivo de este trabajo consistió en determinar prevalencia de complicaciones postexodoncia de terceros molares de pacientes atendidos en CESFAM San Pedro de Atacama entre enero y octubre de 2020. Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal entre enero y octubre 2020, se realizó revisión retrospectiva de fichas clínicas manuales y base de datos electrónica de atenciones odontológicas realizadas en CESFAM. Se incluyeron en el estudio pacientes mayores 18 años, sistémicamente sanos o ASA II compensados, que se hayan realizado exodoncia de tercer molar superior o inferior y que hayan asistido a control clínico a los 7 días. Se excluyeron fichas clínicas ilegibles o sin evolución, pacientes que tuvieran antecedentes de pericoronaritis hasta 7 días previos y pacientes inmunocomprometidos. La frecuencia de complicaciones postoperatorias se relacionó según dificultad de la intervención (leve/moderada/alta) y si el diente era maxilar o mandibular. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo y estadístico de los datos obtenidos mediante prueba exacta de Fisher para evaluar asociación entre las variables utilizando programa estadístico STATA v. 15. Entre enero y octubre de 2020 se realizaron 146 exodoncias de terceros molares; 61 fueron de dificultad leve (41,7 %), 58 dificultad moderada (39,8 %) y 21 dificultad alta (18,5 %). El total de complicaciones postexodoncia alcanza 5,4 % (n=8) donde la complicación más frecuente es alveolitis. Las complicaciones postexodoncia se relacionan significativamente con el nivel de dificultad leve (p0,05).

The Communnity Health Center (CESFAM) of San Pedro de Atacama, is the only establishment of health assistance in the community and surroundings, it is imperative for Dental Surgeons to be decisive and deliver an effective solution to local demand. Determinate the prevalence of post-extraction complications of third molars in patients treated at CESFAM San Pedro de Atacama between January and October 2020. Descriptive cross- sectional study between January and October 2020. It has been done a retrospective review of manual clinical records and electronic database of dental care performed at CESFAM. Patients over 18 years old, systemically healthy or compensated ASA II, who had extracted an upper or lower third molar and who had attended a 7-day clinical check-up were included in the study. Were excluded Illegible or no follow up clinical records, patients with a history of pericoronitis up to 7 days previously, and immunocompromised patients. The frequency of postoperative complications was related to the difficulty of the intervention (mild / moderate / high) and whether the tooth was maxillary or mandibular. A descriptive and statistical analysis of the data obtained by Fisher's exact test was carried out to evaluate the association between the variables using the statistical program STATA v. 15. Between January and October 2020, 146 third molar extractions were performed; 61 were of mild difficulty (41.7 %), 58 of moderate difficulty (39.8 %) and 21 of high difficulty (18.5 %). The result of post-extraction complications reached 5.4 % (n = 8), where the most frequent complication was alveolitis. Post-extraction complications are significantly related to the level of mild difficulty (p 0,05).

Role of Rahnella aquatilis AZO16M2 in Phosphate Solubilization and Ex Vitro Acclimatization of Musa acuminata var. Valery.

Rahnella aquatilis AZO16M2, was characterized for its phosphate solubilization capacity to improve the establishment and survival of Musa acuminata var. Valery seedlings under ex-acclimation. Three phosphorus sources (Rock Phosphate (RF), Ca3(PO4)2 and K2HPO4) and two types of substrate (sand:vermiculite (1:1) and Premix N°8) were selected. The factorial analysis of variance (p < 0.05) showed that R. aquatilis AZO16M2 (OQ256130) solubilizes Ca3(PO4)2 in solid medium, with a Solubilization Index (SI) of 3.77 at 28 °C (pH 6.8). In liquid medium, it was observed that R. aquatilis produced 29.6 mg/L soluble P (pH 4.4), and synthesized organic acids (oxalic, D-gluconic, 2-ketogluconic and malic), Indole Acetic Acid (IAA) (33.90 ppm) and siderophores (+). Additionally, acid and alkaline phosphatases (2.59 and 2.56 µg pNP/mL/min) were detected. The presence of the pyrroloquinoline-quinone (PQQ) cofactor gene was confirmed. After inoculating AZO16M2 to M. acuminata in sand:vermiculite with RF, the chlorophyll content was 42.38 SPAD (Soil Plant Analysis Development). Aerial fresh weight (AFW), aerial dry weight (ADW) and root dry weight (RDW) were superior to the control by 64.15%, 60.53% and 43.48%, respectively. In Premix N°8 with RF and R. aquatilis, 8.91% longer roots were obtained, with 35.58% and 18.76% more AFW and RFW compared with the control as well as 94.45 SPAD. With Ca3(PO4)2, values exceeded the control by 14.15% RFW, with 45.45 SPAD. Rahnella aquatilis AZO16M2 favored the ex-climatization of M. acuminata through improving seedling establishment and survival.

Stress Response Analysis via Dynamic Entropy in EEG: Caregivers in View.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), stress can be defined as any type of alteration that causes physical, emotional, or psychological tension. A very important concept that is sometimes confused with stress is anxiety. The difference between stress and anxiety is that stress usually has an existing cause. Once that activator has passed, stress typically eases. In this respect, according to the American Psychiatric Association, anxiety is a normal response to stress and can even be advantageous in some circumstances. By contrast, anxiety disorders differ from temporary feelings of anxiousness or nervousness with more intense feelings of fear or anxiety. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) explicitly describes anxiety as exorbitant concern and fearful expectations, occurring on most days for at least 6 months, about a series of events. Stress can be measured by some standardized questionnaires; however, these resources are characterized by some major disadvantages, the main one being the time consumed to interpret them; i.e., qualitative information must be transformed to quantitative data. Conversely, a physiological recourse has the advantage that it provides quantitative spatiotemporal information directly from brain areas and it processes data faster than qualitative supplies. A typical option for this is an electroencephalographic record (EEG). We propose, as a novelty, the application of time series (TS) entropies developed by us to inspect collections of EEGs obtained during stress situations. We investigated this database related to 23 persons, with 1920 samples (15 s) captured in 14 channels for 12 stressful events. Our parameters reflected that out of 12 events, event 2 (Family/financial instability/maltreatment) and 10 (Fear of disease and missing an important event) created more tension than the others. In addition, the most active lobes reflected by the EEG channels were frontal and temporal. The former is in charge of performing higher functions, self-control, self monitoring, and the latter is in charge of auditory processing, but also emotional handling. Thus, events E2 and E10 triggering frontal and temporal channels revealed the actual state of participants under stressful situations. The coefficient of variation revealed that E7 (Fear of getting cheated/losing someone) and E11 (Fear of suffering a serious illness) were the events with more changes among participants. In the same sense, AF4, FC5, and F7 (mainly frontal lobe channels) were the most irregular on average for all participants. In summary, by means of dynamic entropy analysis, the goal is to process the EEG dataset in order to elucidate which event and brain regions are key for all participants. The latter will allow us to easily determine which was the most stressful and on which brain zone. This study can be applied to other caregivers datasets. All this is a novelty.

Insights into the Molecular Basis of Huanglongbing Tolerance in Persian Lime (Citrus latifolia Tan.) through a Transcriptomic Approach.

Huanglongbing (HLB) is a vascular disease of Citrus caused by three species of the α-proteobacteria "Candidatus Liberibacter", with "Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus" (CLas) being the most widespread and the one causing significant economic losses in citrus-producing regions worldwide. However, Persian lime (Citrus latifolia Tanaka) has shown tolerance to the disease. To understand the molecular mechanisms of this tolerance, transcriptomic analysis of HLB was performed using asymptomatic and symptomatic leaves. RNA-Seq analysis revealed 652 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in response to CLas infection, of which 457 were upregulated and 195 were downregulated. KEGG analysis revealed that after CLas infection, some DEGs were present in the plant-pathogen interaction and in the starch and sucrose metabolism pathways. DEGs present in the plant-pathogen interaction pathway suggests that tolerance against HLB in Persian lime could be mediated, at least partly, by the ClRSP2 and ClHSP90 genes. Previous reports documented that RSP2 and HSP90 showed low expression in susceptible citrus genotypes. Regarding the starch and sucrose metabolism pathways, some genes were identified as being related to the imbalance of starch accumulation. On the other hand, eight biotic stress-related genes were selected for further RT-qPCR analysis to validate our results. RT-qPCR results confirmed that symptomatic HLB leaves had high relative expression levels of the ClPR1, ClNFP, ClDR27, and ClSRK genes, whereas the ClHSL1, ClRPP13, ClPDR1, and ClNAC genes were expressed at lower levels than those from HLB asymptomatic leaves. Taken together, the present transcriptomic analysis contributes to the understanding of the CLas-Persian lime interaction in its natural environment and may set the basis for developing strategies for the integrated management of this important Citrus disease through the identification of blanks for genetic improvement.

Vehicle and Driver Monitoring System Using On-Board and Remote Sensors.

This paper presents an integrated monitoring system for the driver and the vehicle in a single case of study easy to configure and replicate. On-board vehicle sensors and remote sensors are combined to model algorithms for estimating polluting emissions, fuel consumption, driving style and driver's health. The main contribution of this paper is the analysis of interactions among the above monitored features highlighting the influence of the driver in the vehicle performance and vice versa. This analysis was carried out experimentally using one vehicle with different drivers and routes and implemented on a mobile application. Compared to commercial driver and vehicle monitoring systems, this approach is not customized, uses classical sensor measurements, and is based on simple algorithms that have been already proven but not in an interactive environment with other algorithms. In the procedure design of this global vehicle and driver monitoring system, a principal component analysis was carried out to reduce the variables used in the training/testing algorithms with objective to decrease the transfer data via Bluetooth between the used devices: a biometric wristband, a smartphone and the vehicle's central computer. Experimental results show that the proposed vehicle and driver monitoring system predicts correctly the fuel consumption index in 84%, the polluting emissions 89%, and the driving style 89%. Indeed, interesting correlation results between the driver's heart condition and vehicular traffic have been found in this analysis.

Hydrochemical controls on arsenic contamination and its health risks in the Comarca Lagunera region (Mexico): Implications of the scientific evidence for public health policy.

Nearly half of the world's urban population depends on aquifers for drinking water. These are increasingly vulnerable to pollution and overexploitation. Besides anthropogenic sources, pollutants such as arsenic (As) are also geogenic and their concentrations have, in some cases, been increased by groundwater pumping. Almost 40 % of Mexico's population relies on groundwater for drinking water purposes; much the aquifers in semi-arid and arid central and northern Mexico is contaminated by As. These are agricultural regions where irrigation water is primarily provided from intenstive pumping of the aquifers leading to long-standing declines in the water table. The focus of this study is the main aquifer within the Comarca Lagunera region in Northern Mexico. Although the scientific evidence demonstrates that health effects are associated with long-term exposure to elevated As concentrations, this knowledge has not yielded effective groundwater development and public health policy. A multidisciplinary approach - including the evaluation of geochemistry, human health risk and development and public health policy - was used to provide a current account of these links. The dissolved As concentrations measured exceeded the corresponding World Health Organization guideline for drinking water in 90 % of the sampled wells; for the population drinking this water, the estimated probability of presenting non-carcinogenic health effects was >90 %, and the lifetime risk of developing cancer ranged from 0.5 to 61 cases in 10,000 children and 0.2 to 33 cases in 10,000 adults. The results suggest that insufficient policy responses are due to a complex and dysfunctional groundwater governance framework that compromises the economic, social and environmental sustainability of this region. These findings may valuable to other regions with similar settings that need to design and enact better informed, science-based policies that recognize the value of a more sustainable use of groundwater resources and a healthier population.

Unique long-term simultaneous complications of conventional Roux-en-Y gastric bypass after 27 years: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: We report a case of late concomitant complications caused by conventional Roux-en-Y gastric bypaas and its managements. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 62-year-old male presented 27 years after conventional gastric bypass Y-de-Roux (BGYR) with, sudden, moderate intensity abdominal pain, nausea, biliary vomiting and hyporexia. Persistent abdominal pain was constant, so a thoracoabdominal tomography was requested by the surgeon. It confirmed the presence of intestinal intussusception associated with lithiasis and cholecystitis. The patient reported having lost 45 kg since the BGYR. He goes to the operating room for definitive management. DISCUSSION: The etiology of post-BGYR intussusception is largely unknown, and multiple hypotheses have been created, such as the iatrogenic stitch created by the suture line in the entero-enteric anastomosis and the most common pattern found is antegrade. The use of contrasted CT as the most reliable diagnostic method. CONCLUSION: The importance of taking into account the possible complications existing in bariatric patients and their frequency gives us the opportunity to suspect and detect them in time and in the most cases the management must be surgical.

Redefining the simplicity of the craniomandibular complex of nightjars: The case of Systellura longirostris (Aves: Caprimulgidae) by means of anatomical network analysis.

To study morphological evolution, it is necessary to combine information from multiple intersecting research fields. Here, we report on the structure of the bony and muscular elements of the craniomandibular complex of birds, highlighting its morphological architecture and complexity (or simplification) in the context of anatomical networks of the Band-winged Nightjar Systellura longirostris (Caprimulgiformes, Caprimulgidae). This species has skull osteology and jaw myology that departs from the general structural plan of the craniomandibular complex of Neornithes and is considered morphologically simple. Our goal is to test if its simplification is also reflected in its anatomical network, particularly in those parameters that measure complexity and to explore if the distribution of the networks in a phylomorphospace is conditioned by their evolutionary history or by convergence. Our results show that S. longirostris clusters with other Strisores and momotids and is segregated from the other bird species analyzed when plotted in the phylomorphospace, as a consequence of convergence in the network parameters. Systellura has a craniomandibular complex consisting of fewer muscles connecting more bones than the model species (e.g., the rock pigeon or the guira cuckoo). In this sense, Systellura is actually more complex regarding the number of integrative bony parts, while its craniomandibular complex is simpler. According to its anatomical network, Systellura also can be interpreted as less complex, particularly compared with other Strisores and taxa that reflect the general structure of the craniomandibular complex in Neornithes.

Prospecting carbon-based nanomaterials for the treatment and degradation of endocrine-disrupting pollutants.

The presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in water resources has significant negative implications for the environment. Traditional technologies implemented for water treatment are not completely efficient for removing EDCs from water. Therefore, research on sustainable remediation has been mainly directed to novel decontamination approaches including nano-remediation. This emerging technology employs engineered nanomaterials to clean up the environment quickly, efficiently, and sustainably. Thus, nanomaterials have contributed to a wide variety of remediation techniques like adsorption, filtration, coagulation/flocculation, and so on. Among the vast diversity of decontamination technologies catalytic advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) outstand as simple, clean, and efficient alternatives. A vast diversity of catalysts has been developed demonstrating high efficiencies; however, the search for novel catalysts with enhanced performances continues. In this regard, nanomaterials used as nanocatalysts are exhibiting enhanced performances on AOPs due to their special nanostructures and larger specific surface areas. Therefore, in this review we summarize, compare, and discuss the recent advances on nanocatalysts, catalysts doped with metal-based nanomaterials, and catalysts doped with carbon-based nanomaterials on the degradation of EDCs. Finally, further research opportunities are identified and discussed to achieve the real application of nanomaterials to efficiently degrade EDCs from water resources.

Prognosis patients with COVID-19 using deep learning.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus (COVID-19) is a novel pandemic and recently we do not have enough knowledge about the virus behaviour and key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the mortality risk forecast. However, using a lot of complex and expensive biomarkers could be impossible for many low budget hospitals. Timely identification of the risk of mortality of COVID-19 patients (RMCPs) is essential to improve hospitals' management systems and resource allocation standards. METHODS: For the mortality risk prediction, this research work proposes a COVID-19 mortality risk calculator based on a deep learning (DL) model and based on a dataset provided by the HM Hospitals Madrid, Spain. A pre-processing strategy for unbalanced classes and feature selection is proposed. To evaluate the proposed methods, an over-sampling Synthetic Minority TEchnique (SMOTE) and data imputation approaches are introduced which is based on the K-nearest neighbour. RESULTS: A total of 1,503 seriously ill COVID-19 patients having a median age of 70 years old are comprised in the research work, with 927 (61.7%) males and 576 (38.3%) females. A total of 48 features are considered to evaluate the proposed method, and the following results are achieved. It includes the following values i.e., area under the curve (AUC) 0.93, F2 score 0.93, recall 1.00, accuracy, 0.95, precision 0.91, specificity 0.9279 and maximum probability of correct decision (MPCD) 0.93. CONCLUSION: The results show that the proposed method is significantly best for the mortality risk prediction of patients with COVID-19 infection. The MPCD score shows that the proposed DL outperforms on every dataset when evaluating even with an over-sampling technique. The benefits of the data imputation algorithm for unavailable biomarker data are also evaluated. Based on the results, the proposed scheme could be an appropriate tool for critically ill Covid-19 patients to assess the risk of mortality and prognosis.

Ecomorphology of the tarsometatarsus of waterfowl (Anseriformes) based on geometric morphometrics and its application to fossils.

Anseriformes is a diverse group of birds that comprises screamers, the Magpie Goose, and swans ducks and geese, with a relatively rich fossil record. Waterfowl live in close relation to water bodies, but show a diversity of locomotory habits, being typically categorized as walkers, dabblers, and divers. Owing to its functional significance and high preservation potential, the tarsometatarsus has been considered to be a "key" element upon which to base ecomorphological inferences in fossil waterfowl. For instance, based on features of the tarsometatarsus the Miocene flightless duck Cayaoa bruneti and the Oligocene-Miocene large waterfowl Paranyroca have been inferred as divers. Herein, we use a geometric morphometric approach and comparative methods to assess the phylogenetic and ecomorphological signals in the shape and size of waterfowl tarsometatarsi in relation to their locomotory habits. We also apply phylogenetic flexible discriminant analysis (pFDA) to test the inferred diving habits in the extinct waterfowl Cayaoa and Paranyroca. Extant waterfowl species are largely distributed according to their locomotory habit along the main axis of variation in the shape space, a pattern mirrored by the phylogenetic generalized least squares model, which shows that a third of the shape variation is significantly explained by the habit. The pFDA reclassifies correctly almost all extant species and classified with high posterior probabilities the fossil Cayaoa and Paranyroca as a diver and as a dabbler, respectively. Our quantitative multivariate approach confirms the tarsometatarsus as a useful source of data upon which reliably assesses locomotory habits of fossil waterfowl.

Visualizing Street Pavement Anomalies through Fog Computing V2I Networks and Machine Learning.

Analyzing data related to the conditions of city streets and avenues could help to make better decisions about public spending on mobility. Generally, streets and avenues are fixed as soon as they have a citizen report or when a major incident occurs. However, it is uncommon for cities to have real-time reactive systems that detect the different problems they have to fix on the pavement. This work proposes a solution to detect anomalies in streets through state analysis using sensors within the vehicles that travel daily and connecting them to a fog-computing architecture on a V2I network. The system detects and classifies the main road problems or abnormal conditions in streets and avenues using Machine Learning Algorithms (MLA), comparing roughness against a flat reference. An instrumented vehicle obtained the reference through accelerometry sensors and then sent the data through a mid-range communication system. With these data, the system compared an Artificial Neural Network (supervised MLA) and a K-Nearest Neighbor (Supervised MLA) to select the best option to handle the acquired data. This system makes it desirable to visualize the streets' quality and map the areas with the most significant anomalies.

Weeds Harbor Fusarium Species that Cause Malformation Disease of Economically Important Trees in Western Mexico.

Mango malformation disease (MMD) caused by Fusarium spp. is an important limiting factor in most production areas worldwide. Fusarium mexicanum and F. pseudocircinatum have been reported as causing MMD in Mexico. These two pathogens also cause a similar disease in Swietenia macrophylla (big-leaf mahogany malformation disease) in central western Mexico, and F. pseudocircinatum was recently reported as causing malformation disease in Tabebuia rosea (rosy trumpet) in the same region. These studies suggest that additional plant species, including weeds, might be hosts of these pathogens. The role that weed hosts might have in the disease cycle is unknown. The objectives of this work were to recover Fusarium isolates from understory vegetation in mango orchards with MMD, identify the Fusarium isolates through DNA sequence data, and determine whether F. mexicanum is capable of inducing disease in the weedy legume Senna uniflora (oneleaf senna). Additional objectives in this work were to compare Fusarium isolates recovered from weeds and mango trees in the same orchards by characterizing their phylogenetic relationships, assessing in vitro production of mycotoxins, and identifying their mating type idiomorph. A total of 59 Fusarium isolates from five species complexes were recovered from apical and lateral buds from four weed species. Two of the species within the F. fujikuroi species complex are known to cause MMD in Mexico. Trichothecene production was detected in five isolates, including F. sulawense and F. irregulare in the F. incarnatum-equiseti species complex and F. boothii in the F. sambucinum species complex. Both mating types were present among mango and weed isolates. This is the first report of herbaceous hosts harboring Fusarium species that cause mango malformation in Mexico. The information provided should prove valuable for further study of the epidemiological role of weeds in MMD and help manage the disease.

Decontamination of emerging pharmaceutical pollutants using carbon-dots as robust materials.

Environmental pollution is a critical issue that requires proper measures to maintain environmental health in a sustainable and effective manner. The growing persistence of several active pharmaceutical residues, such as antibiotics like tetracycline, and anti-inflammatory drugs like diclofenac in water matrices is considered an issue of global concern. Numerous sewage/drain waste lines from the domestic and pharmaceutical sector contain an array of toxic compounds, so-called "emerging pollutants" and possess adverse effects on entire living ecosystem and damage its biodiversity. Therefore, effective solution and preventive measures are urgently required to sustainably mitigate and/or remediate pharmaceutically active emerging pollutants from environmental matrices. In this context, herein, the entry pathways of the pharmaceutical waste into the environment are presented, through the entire lifecycle of a pharmaceutical product. There is no detailed review available on carbon-dots (CDs) as robust materials with multifunctional features that support sustainable mitigation of emerging pollutants from water matrices. Thus, CDs-based photocatalysts are emerging as an efficient alternative for decontamination by pharmaceutical pollutants. The addition of CDs on photocatalytic systems has an important role in their performance, mainly because of their up-conversion property, transfer photoinduced electron capacities, and efficient separation of electrons and holes. In this review, we analyze the strategies followed by different researchers to optimize the photodegradation of various pharmaceutical pollutants. In this manner, the effect of different parameters such as pH, the dosage of photocatalyst, amount of carbon dots, and initial pollutant concentration, among others are discussed. Finally, current challenges are presented from a pollution prevention perspective and from CDs-based photocatalytic remediation perspective, with the aim to suggest possible research directions.