Estimating taxonomic and functional structure along a tropical estuary: linking metabolic traits and aspects of ecosystem functioning.

Microbial life forms are among the most ubiquitous on Earth, yet many remain understudied in Caribbean estuaries. We report on the prokaryote community composition of the Urabá Estuary in the Colombian Caribbean using 16S rRNA gene-transcript sequencing. We also assessed potential functional diversity through 38 metabolic traits inferred from 16S rRNA gene data. Water samples were collected from six sampling stations at two depths with contrasting light-penetration conditions along an approximately 100 km transect in the Gulf of Urabá in December 2019. Non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis grouped the samples into two distinct clusters along the transect and between depths. The primary variables influencing the prokaryote community composition were the sampling station, depth, salinity, and dissolved oxygen levels. Twenty percent of genera (i.e., 58 out 285) account for 95% of the differences between groups along the transect and among depths. All of the 38 metabolic traits studied showed some significant relationship with the tested environmental variables, especially salinity and except with temperature. Another non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis, based on community-weighted mean of traits, also grouped the samples in two clusters along the transect and over depth. Biodiversity facets, such as richness, evenness, and redundancy, indicated that environmental variations-stemming from river discharges-introduce an imbalance in functional diversity between surface prokaryote communities closer to the estuary's head and bottom communities closer to the ocean. Our research broadens the use of 16S rRNA gene transcripts beyond mere taxonomic assignments, furthering the field of trait-based prokaryote community ecology in transitional aquatic ecosystems.IMPORTANCEThe resilience of a dynamic ecosystem is directly tied to the ability of its microbes to navigate environmental gradients. This study delves into the changes in prokaryote community composition and functional diversity within the Urabá Estuary (Colombian Caribbean) for the first time. We integrate data from 16S rRNA gene transcripts (taxonomic and functional) with environmental variability to gain an understanding of this under-researched ecosystem using a multi-faceted macroecological framework. We found that significant shifts in prokaryote composition and in primary changes in functional diversity were influenced by physical-chemical fluctuations across the estuary's environmental gradient. Furthermore, we identified a potential disparity in functional diversity. Near-surface communities closer to the estuary's head exhibited differences compared to deeper communities situated farther away. Our research serves as a roadmap for posing new inquiries about the potential functional diversity of prokaryote communities in highly dynamic ecosystems, pushing forward the domain of multi-trait-based prokaryote community ecology.

Influencia de la herbivoría sobre la interacción alga-coral en un arrecife coralino de bahía Capurganá, Caribe colombiano / Influence of herbivory on coral-algal interaction in a coral reef, Capurganá Bay, Colombian Caribbean

Introducción: Los arrecifes coralinos están entre los ecosistemas más importantes y valiosos del planeta. Sin embargo, en las últimas décadas han sufrido procesos de degradación, reduciendo su cobertura coralina y complejidad topográfica. La competencia alga-coral es un proceso ecológico importante en la dinámica de los arrecifes coralinos y estudiarla permite entender la resiliencia en estos sistemas. Objetivo: Determinar el efecto de la herbivoría sobre la competencia coral-alga bajo diferentes escenarios (empleando una combinación de enfoques descriptivos y experimentales) y dos épocas climáticas en Capurganá, Caribe colombiano (área de conservación marina, Hope Spot). Métodos: Entre julio 2018 y abril 2019, se evaluó el rol de la herbivoría, mediante un experimento de exclusión - no exclusión en 48 individuos coralinos bajo diferentes escenarios de interacción entre Siderastrea siderea y sus algas circundantes (tratamientos), la mitad de los corales juveniles se cubrieron con cajas metálicas de 2 400 cm2 fijas al bentos. Los tratamientos consistieron en: T1= Control, T2= Remoción de algas, T3= Daño coralino, T4= Juveniles en contacto con algas artificiales, T5= T2 + T3, T6= T2 + T4, T7= T3 + T4 y T8= T2 + T3 + T4. Resultados: Después de un muestreo total de nueve meses, se encontró diferencias entre escenarios con y sin exclusión (P= 0.006) y la época climática (P= 0.032), el crecimiento coralino fue mayor cuando las algas fueron removidas en presencia de herbívoros (DMS de Fisher, mean ± SE 9.871 ± 8.298) y la aparición de algas fue mayor dentro de las jaulas que fuera de ellas, mientras que el tratamiento de competencia no presentó interferencia en el crecimiento (P= 0.155). Los juveniles fueron colonizados por algas cuando su tejido fue dañado y sin herbívoros (mean ± SE 9.359 ± 3.901). Hubo diferencias en el crecimiento coralino entre épocas (época seca: Media 0.0029 ± SD 0.0243 cm2/día y época húmeda: Media 0.0022 ± SD 0.0161 cm2/día). Conclusiones: Los resultados indican que el crecimiento coralino depende de la presencia de herbívoros que regulan el crecimiento, reproducción y supervivencia de las algas; actualmente este proceso está siendo interrumpido como consecuencia de la sobrepesca en estos ecosistemas, por lo cual, es importante destacar que la reducción de la herbivoría resultó en un crecimiento más rápido de algas, demostrando la importancia crítica de la herbivoría para el resultado de la interacción competitiva. Sin embargo, algunas algas podrían ser benéficas para los juveniles coralinos cuando su abundancia es lo suficientemente grande para protegerlos de la depredación por peces y suficientemente pequeña para no reducir considerablemente su crecimiento. Estos procesos son decisivos en estos ecosistemas, particularmente en zonas donde éste es relevante desde una perspectiva ecológica, social, cultural y económica, lo cual hace que estos estudios sean importantes para la correcta implementación de manejo integrado en zonas arrecifales ayudando a la recuperación, protección y conservación del arrecife, y promoviendo la disminución de la pesca de herbívoros.

Introduction: Coral reefs are among the most important and valuable ecosystems on the world. However, in recent decades they have been under siege by degradation processes reducing their coral cover and topographic complexity. The coral-algae competition is an important ecological process in the dynamics of coral reefs thus studying is pivotal for understanding the resilience in these systems. Objective: To determine the effect of herbivory on coral-algae competition under different scenarios (using a combination of descriptive and experimental approaches) and two climatic seasons in Capurganá Bay, Colombian Caribbean, in a marine conservation area (Hope Spot). Methods: Between July 2018 and April 2019, the role of herbivory was evaluated, performing an exclusion - no exclusion experiment in 48 coral individuals under different scenarios of interaction between Siderastrea siderea and its surrounding algae (treatments), half of the juvenile corals were covered with 2 400 cm2 metal boxes fixed to the benthos. The treatments consisted of : T1= No manipulation (control), T2= Algae removal, T3= Coral damage, T4= Juveniles in contact with artificial algae, T5= T2 + T3, T6= T2 + T4, T7= T3 + T4 and T8= T2 + T3 + T4. Results: After nine months of experiments, differences were found between with and without exclusion (P= 0.006) and the climatic season (P= 0.032), it was found that coral growth was higher when algae were removed in the presence of herbivores (Fisher's LSD, mean ± SE 9.871 ± 8.298) and the appearance of algae was greater inside the cages than outside them, while the competitive treatment did not show growth interference (P= 0.155). Algae colonized juveniles when their tissue was damaged and herbivory was excluded (mean ± SE 9.359 ± 3.901). There were differences in coral growth between seasons, being higher in the dry season (Average 0.0029 ± SD 0.0243 cm2/day) than in the wet season (Average 0.0022 ± SD 0.0161 cm2/day). Conclusions: The coral growth depended on the presence of herbivores that regulate the growth, reproduction, and survival of algae; currently, this process is being interrupted as a result of overfishing in the reef ecosystems. However, some algae could be beneficial for juvenile corals when their abundance is large enough to protect them from fish predation and small enough not to significantly reduce their growth. These processes are decisive in these ecosystems, particularly in areas where it is relevant from an ecological, social, cultural and economic point of view, which makes these studies important for the correct implementation of integrated management in reef areas helping recovery, protection, and conservation of the reef promoting the decrease of herbivore fishing.

Monitoring pharmaceuticals and personal care products in water and fish from the Gulf of Urabá, Colombia.

Gulf of Urabá is considered a tourist zone of Antioquia Department attracts a large number of visitors to explore the aquatic ecosystem and beaches thus offering a large economic benefit. However, this region has been affected by various anthropogenic effects thus generating an environmental problematic that affect aquatic ecosystem. Over the years, several research has been evaluated pollutant such as pesticides, metals and physicochemical parameters, even our laboratory had found several toxic metals in fish from this same area. The presence of emerging pollutant in matrices such as seawater and fish from Gulf of Urabá have not been reported, and to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study. This work presents important aspects relating to sampling, monitoring and surveillance of seawater and several fish species caught in the area in order to determinate the content of emerging pollutant (triclosan, ibuprofen, diclofenac) using UPLC-QqQ/MS. In general, all three pharmaceuticals in different sampling sites were detected and total concentrations ranged from 0.10 to 1.54 µg/L in surface water. However, emerging pollutants content in fish muscle was not detected. In addition, a high variability in triclosan, ibuprofen and diclofenac concentrations according to the season of sampling was found. Regarding to seasonal variations, most emerging pollutant in the surface water had variation in levels both dry and wet season. Better removal was presented in the dry season, due to stronger irradiation and greater activity of microorganisms.

Stable-isotope analysis reveals sources of organic matter and ontogenic feeding shifts of a mangrove-dependent predator species, New Granada sea catfish, Ariopsis canteri.

To gain a better understanding on the trophic ecology of New Granada sea catfish, Ariopsis canteri, and their linkage to mangroves, nitrogen and stable carbon isotopes (δ15 N and δ13 C), as well as Bayesian mixing models, were used to explore trophic dynamics and potential ontogenic feeding shifts across different size classes: class I (8-20 cm), class II (21-32 cm) and class III (>32 cm). The study area was the estuary of the Atrato River Delta, where information about fish ecology is scarce. The δ13 C of size class I was lower (mean ± s.d. = -24.96 ± 0.69‰) than that of size classes II (-22.20 ± 0.90‰) and III (-22.00 ± 1.96‰). The δ15 N of size class I was lower (mean ± s.d. = 8.50 ± 0.67‰) than that of size classes II (9.77 ± 0.60‰) and III (10.00 ± 0.66‰). Body size was positively and significantly correlated to δ15 N and δ13 C. Individuals with LT > 32 cm presented the highest estimated trophic position (3.8). Five-source mixing models indicated that for class I, the mean estimated contribution of macroalgae was the highest (6%-57% c.i.), and for classes II and III, the mean estimated contribution of macrophytes was the highest (3%-53% c.i. and 4%-53% c.i., respectively). Ontogenetic feeding shifts of A. canteri were confirmed evidencing decreasing intraspecific competition between small and large individuals. Results suggest that mangroves are a nursery and feeding ground habitat for this species and that mangroves support A. canteri mainly due to the substrate/habitat that supports sources in the food webs. These results can be used in ecosystem-based fishery management focused on the protection of extensive mangrove areas in the southern Caribbean Sea.

Presencia de Salmonella spp. en tortugas de río en cautiverio y en libertad en Urabá, Colombia / Presence of Salmonella spp in captivity and wild river turtles in Urabá, Colombia / Presença de Salmonella spp. em tartarugas de rio em cativeiro e em liberdade em Urabá, Colômbia

Resumen La salmonelosis es una enfermedad infecciosa de alta prevalencia a nivel mundial en la cual las tortugas han sido reconocidas como portadores crónicos. Diferentes estudios han reportado la presencia de Salmonella spp. en tortugas de río en diferentes países, sin embargo, ha sido poco reportada en individuos en libertad. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la presencia de Salmonella spp. en tortugas de río en cautiverio (n= 55) y en libertad (n= 50) en el Urabá antioqueño (Colombia) entre 2015-2016. Se incluyeron las especies Trachemys venusta, Rhinoclemmys melanosterna y Kinosternon leucostomum. Se tomó la muestra de materia fecal por hisopado cloacal, se cultivó y de las colonias aisladas se realizó extracción de ADN y reacción en cadena de polimerasa (PCR). De la población muestreada (n=105) se encontraron dos individuos positivos a Salmonella spp., ambos en cautiverio, machos, adultos y pertenecientes a la especie R. melanosterna. Los resultados obtenidos no excluyen la posibilidad de infección debido a la intermitencia en la excreción de la bacteria en heces. Esta investigación aporta evidencia a la presencia de la bacteria en las tortugas de la región de estudio y la necesidad de implementar medidas preventivas que disminuyan el contacto con estas especies, y por lo tanto la probabilidad de transmisión de salmonelosis no tifoidea en la población humana de la región.

Abstract Salmonellosis is a high prevalence infectious diseases worldwide and turties have been recognized as chronic carriers. Studies have reported the presence of Salmonella spp in river turtles in different countries; however, studies in wild individuals are less common. The objective of this study was to identify the presence of Salmonella spp in wild (n=50) and in captivity (n=55) river turtles in Uraba Antioqueño (Colombia) between 201 5-2016. Trachemys venusta, Rhinoclemmys melanosterna, and Kinosternon leucosto-mum were included. Feces samples were taken by cloaca swab׳ cultures were performed, and DNA extraction and PCR were made from the colonies isolated. From total population(n=105) two male, adults in captivity were positive, the specie was R. melanosterna. The results obtained do not exclude infection due to the intermittence in the excretion of the bacteria in feces. This research provides evidence of the presence of the bacteria in turtles from the region and highlights the requirement to implement preventive activities to reduce contact with these species, and decrease the probability of transmission of nontyphoidal salmonellosis in human population around the region.

Resumo Salmonelose é uma doença de alta prevalência mundial. As tartarugas são reconhecidas como portadoras crônicas. Em diferentes países tem sido relatado a presença de Salmonella spp. em tartarugas de rios embora, poucos são os estudos em indivíduos selvagens. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar na região do Urabá Antioqueño (Colombia) nos anos 2015 e 2016 a presença de Salmonella spp. em tartarugas selvagens (n = 50) e em cativeiro (n = 55). Foram incluídas tartarugas das espécies Trachemys venusta, Rhinoclemmys melanosterna e Kinosternon leucostomum. Foi coletada por esfregaço cloacal e para cultura uma amostra de fezes. A partir das colônias isoladas foi realizada extração de DNA para testes moleculares (PCR). Da população total (n = 105) foram positivos do grupo de cativeiro dois machos adultos da espécie R. melanosterna. Devido à intermitência na excreção das bactérias nas fezes os resultados obtidos não excluem a infecção. Esta pesquisa fornece evidências da presença da bactéria em tartarugas da região do Urabá e destaca a necessidade de implementar atividades preventivas para reduzir o contato com essas espécies selvagens e diminuir a probabilidade de transmissão zoonótica de salmonelose não tifoidal na população humana da região.

Aumento de la población, presión sobre el ecosistema y seguridad alimentaria: el caso de las comunidades pesqueras del golfo de Urabá / Population Increase, Pressure on the Ecosystem and Food Security: The Case of the Fishing Communities from the Gulf of Urabá

Resumen Introducción: existe relación entre el aumento de una población y la presión que esta ejerce sobre el ecosistema; en este sentido, se reflexiona sobre las comunidades de pescadores que habitan el golfo de Urabá y su situación de seguridad alimentaria. Reflexión: el golfo de Urabá, con su litoral de manglar, ha alimentado a las poblaciones que de larga data han vivido en su orilla; sin embargo, la situación de desplazamiento forzado que se ha vivido en la región ha incrementado el número de pobladores de las comunidades pesqueras. La pesca se ha convertido en la fuente de alimento y sustento de antiguos y nuevos pobladores, lo que ha llevado a una sobreexplotación de los recursos marinos y al deterioro del ecosistema, que ha reducido la disponibilidad de alimento, y lleva a condiciones de inseguridad alimentaria a los habitantes de la orilla del golfo. Conclusiones: la situación de seguridad alimentaria de las comunidades de pescadores requiere ser comprendida en su contexto, en su ecosistema, en su cotidianidad; requiere también del trabajo transdisciplinario, más allá de la nutrición, y su atención necesita del diseño e implementación de alternativas concertadas de manera participativa con los pobladores.

Abstract Introduction: There is a relationship between the increase of a population and the pressure it exerts on the ecosystem. In this sense, this article reflects on the fishing communities that inhabit the Gulf of Urabá and its food security situation. Reflection: The Gulf of Urabá, with its mangrove littoral, has fed the populations that have long lived on its shore; however the situation of forced displacement experienced in the region has increased the number of inhabitants of the fishing communities. Fishing has become the source of food and sustenance for old and new settlers, which has led to over-exploitation of marine resources, deterioration of the ecosystem, reduced availability of food, and has led to food insecurity of the inhabitants of the gulf shore. Conclusions: The food security situation of the fishing communities needs to be understood in its context, its ecosystem, and daily life; it also requires transdisciplinary work, beyond nutrition, and requires attention to design and implementation of concerted alternatives for and with the villagers.

Fish species from a micro-tidal delta in the Caribbean Sea.

A total of 66 fish species belonging to 32 families were recorded between November 2012 and April 2014 in the southern arm of the delta to the Atrato River. Total length (LT ; range: 1·7-48 cm), total mass (MT ), LT and MT relationships (b values ranged from 1·8 to 3·7, mostly with negative allometric growth), and LT frequency (for 25 species) were estimated for freshwater, estuarine and marine species. LT and MT of Porichthys pauciradiatus and Membras argentea are given for the first time and maximum LT records for 14 species exceed those in the literature.

Co-creación como metodología para la apropiación social de la ciencia y la tecnología (ASCYT) del recurso agua. Caso Urabá-Antioqueño- Colombia / Co-creation as a methodology for the social appropriation of science and technology (ascyt) of the water resource. A Urabá, Antioquia (Colombia) case

Este artículo, comparte el abordaje metodológico desarrollado por el programa “Experiencias Pedagógicas Itinerantes Museo del Agua EPM” apoyado por Colciencias y desarrollado por la Fundación Empresas Públicas de Medellín (EPM) y la Universidad EAFIT en Colombia, el cual implementó una estrategia de participación comunitaria centrada en procesos de co-creación, para llevar a comunidades alejadas del territorio antioqueño, opciones paradesarrollar procesos de conocimiento, comprensión y relacionamiento con el recurso agua, basados en información científica y experiencias del Museo del Agua EPM en Colombia.

This article shares the methodological approach developed by the program “Experiences Teaching Travelling Public Enterprises of Medellin Water Museum” supported by Colciencias and developed by the Public Enterprises of Medellin (EPM) Foundation and EAFIT University in Colombia, which implemented a strategy of focusing on processes of cocreation community participation, in order to take distant communities from the Antioquia territory, options to develop processes of knowledge, understanding, and relationship withwater resource, based on scientific information and experiences of the Public Enterprises of Medellin Water Museum in Colombia.

Comportamiento de los suicidios en el Urabá Antioqueño, Colombia, 2000-2010 / Behavior of suicides in the Urabá Antioqueño, Colombia, 2000-2010

Introducción: la conducta suicida es un grave problema de salud pública, la cualafecta a todos los grupos poblacionales sin distingo de raza, sexo o religión. Elobjetivo de la presente investigación fue caracterizar el comportamiento de la conducta suicida en la región del Urabá Antioqueño entre los años 2000 y 2010.Metodología: se llevó a cabo un estudio descriptivo, transversal. Se utilizó la base de datos de mortalidad que genera el Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística (DANE).Resultados: en los once años estudiados se registraron 143 suicidios en el Urabá antioqueño, el 80% fueron hombres. El promedio de edad se ubicó en 31,1 años, pero se comportó diferente según sexo: 32,8 en hombres y 24 en mujeres. El 44,8% eran solteros. El método más empleado fue el ahorcamiento, 43,4%, seguido delarma de fuego, 32,9%, aunque esta última fue casi exclusividad de los hombres. Predominaron los suicidios en el lugar de residencia, 44,3%. El mes de mayor proporción de suicidios fue enero con 11,9%; por días le correspondió al domingo, con 19,6%. La tasa de todo el periodo se ubicó en 2,6 suicidios por cada cien mil habitantes. La mayor tasa municipal estuvo en Mutatá, con 5,5.Conclusiones: se encontró un número importante de suicidios, más no se evidencian causas específicas; se cree que la reciente violencia que afectó a la región, y la accesibilidad de medios para efectuar el suicidio son importantes factores de riesgo para la población y se identifican como los puntos donde se deben direccionar lascampañas de prevención.

¿Responden los micromoluscos a los cambios ambientales durante el Holoceno tardío en el sur del mar Caribe colombiano? / ¿Micromollusc response to the late Holocene environmental changes in the southern Caribbean sea colombia? / ¿Respondem os micro-moluscos às alterações ambientais durante o Holoceno tardio no sul do mar Caribe colombiano?

En el sector austral del mar Caribe se desconocen los cambios ambientales holocénicos y sus implicaciones en la composición de la micro-malacofauna marina. Se realizó una expedición oceanográfica a bordo del buque ARC-Quindío de la Armada de la República de Colombia; para realizar perforaciones en tres sitios del golfo de Urabá, utilizando nucleador de gravedad en plataforma. Se estudió la composición taxonómica (materia orgánica y carbonato de calcio) y abundancia de micromoluscos; para relacionarlos con posibles cambios paleoambientales durante el holoceno tardío en el golfo. Se estableció que la alta riqueza y abundancia de los micromoluscos se da a mayor carbonato de calcio y menor materia orgánica. La abundancia y riqueza de micromoluscos dieron respuesta a cambios ambientales del Holoceno tardío. Se logró definir dos ambientes contrastantes en el golfo de Urabá durante los últimos 2800 años; un ambiente más antiguo dominado por aguas marinas y un ambiente de mezcla más reciente dominado por aguas estuarinas.

Holocene environmental changes in the southern Caribbean Sea and their implications on the composition of marine micro and malacofauna are unknown. We embarked an océanographie expedition aboard the ship, ARC-Quindío of the Colombian Navy, to drill at three sites in the Gulf of Urabá using a platform gravity corer. To find possible correlations with paleoenvironmental changes during the late Holocene in the Gulf, we assessed the taxonomic composition (organic matter and calcium carbonate) and micromollusc abundance. The elevated richness and abundance of micromolluscs yields more calcium carbonate and less organic matter and answers to environmental changes in the late Holocene. We were able to define two contrasting environments in the Gulf of Urabá during the last 2800 years; an earlier environment dominated by marine waters and a more recent environment of a mixture of waters dominated by estuarine waters.

No sector austral do mar Caribe se desconhecem as alterações ambientais holocénicas e as suas implicações na composição da micro-malacofauna marinha. Realizou-se uma expedição oceanográfica a bordo do navio ARC-Quindío da Armada da República de Colômbia; para realizar perfurações em três sítios do golfo de Urabá, utilizando nucleador de gravidade em plataforma. Estudou-se a composição taxonómica (matéria orgânica e carbonato de cálcio) e abundância de micro-moluscos; para relacioná-los com possíveis alterações paleoambientais durante o holoceno tardio no golfo. Estabeleceu-se que a alta riqueza e abundância de micro-moluscos deram resposta a alterações ambientais do Holoceno tardio. Conseguiu-se definir dois ambientes contrastantes no golfo de Urabá durante os últimos 2800 anos; um ambiente mais antigo dominado por águas marinhas e um ambiente de mistura mais recentemente dominado por águas estuarinas.

APORTE DE HOJARASCA DEL MANGLE NEGRO (Avicennia germinans L. ) EN EL CARIBE COLOMBIANO / CONTRIBUTION OF BLACK MANGROVE (Avicennia germinans L. ) FALLEN LEAVES IN THE COLOMBIAN CARIBBEAN AREA

A pesar que los manglares son reconocidos a nivel mundial como ecosistemas altamente productivos y ecológicamente importantes, en la actualidad, su extensión se ha reducido significativamente debido a las actividades humanas en las zonas costeras. Por lo tanto, es necesario investigar su dinámica y respuestas bajo el creciente y sostenido impacto del cambio climático y antropogénico. Durante dos estaciones climáticas contrastantes (sequía, lluvia) se estudió la producción de hojarasca del mangle negro Avicennia germinans L. en la bahía El Uno cerca al municipio de Turbo, noroccidente de Colombia (8º N). El aporte de materia orgánica fue separado por estructuras (hojas, ramas, flores y frutos) donde se registró un aporte significativamente mayor de hojas. La biomasa seca total durante ambas estaciones fue de 7,09±9,66 y 5,36±5,67 g m-2día-1. Los valores mínimos y máximos fueron de 0,63-8 y 0,49-3,65 g m-2día-1 durante la estación seca y lluviosa, respectivamente. Se detectaron diferencias significativas entre las estructuras orgánicas pero no entre las estaciones climáticas analizadas. Se discuten algunos impactos naturales y antropogénicos pasados y actuales, que afectan la dinámica de los manglares, al igual que la importancia de la producción de hojarasca para la productividad primaria y secundaria, en zonas altamente perturbadas del Caribe colombiano.

Although mangroves are recognized worldwide as highly productive and ecologically important ecosystems , at present its extent has been significantly reduced due to human activities in coastal areas. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate their dynamics and responses under the growing and sustained climatic and anthropogenic impacts. During two contrasting seasons (drought, rain) the fallen leaves production of the black mangrove Avicennia germinans L. was investigated at El Uno Bay, near Turbo Municipality, North-Western Colombia (8º N). Organic matter input was sorted by structure (leaves, branches, flowers, fruits) with leaves registering the highest significant values. Total dry biomass during both seasons was 7.09±9.66 and 5.36±5.67 g m-2day-1. The lowest and highest organic matter values were 0.63-8 and 0.49-3.65 g m-2day-1 during the dry and rainy season, respectively. Significant differences between organic structures but not between seasons analyzed were detected. Some relevant past and present natural and anthropogenic impacts affecting the mangroves dynamics are discussed, as well as the importance of fallen leaves input to the primary and secondary production in highly disturbed zones of the Colombian Caribbean area.

Impactos del paramilitarismo en la región urabá/chocó 1998-2006. claves para la lectura de las afectaciones colectivas / Horizontality, expression, and shared knowledge: an approach on pproach on psychological processes of acccompanient to victm of political violence in colombia

Este informe de investigación recoge los resultados de una exploración sobre la naturaleza de las afectaciones de un grupo armado, lo paramilitares, en una región colombiana; este ejercicio ha sido la antesala para planteamiento de una investigación que, recientemente aprobada, se propone ofrecer pautas para dar cuenta de aquellos impactos de la guerra que puedan ser definidos como “daño colectivo”. En este orden de ideas, este artículo se propone exponer de la los resultados de esta aproximación preliminar que, a la manera de un estudio de caso, permiten establecer los alcances y limites analíticos de las aproximaciones de este carácter para dar cuenta de la dimensión de los daños colectivos a partir de la inspección de los tipos y naturaleza de las acciones paramilitares en el Chocó y Urabá antioqueños, durante el periodo 1998-2006.

The following article presents a deep discussion about the processes of psychosocial intervention with victims of political violence, in the light of their life stories in a context of research on the role of memory in the reconstruction of the social fabric. The category of the psychosocial emerged as a result of these life stories and discussion groups and allowed a critical look at the intervention processes that take place in Colombia, from the voice and the testimony of the participants. Finally, it also collects proposals from this same voice, that of the people, and forms of action involving a revision to the individualistic, pathological, vertical, technocratic, and bureaucratic models of the action, to propose comprehensive and systemic actions for the recovery of dignity and the subjective transformation from participation, dialogue of knowledge, playful and performative expression, and horizontal relationships, mutual support and construction of citizenship and subjectivity of rights.

Efecto de la conversión del manglar a potrero sobre la densidad y tallas de dos gasterópodos en el delta del río Turbo (golfo de Urabá, Caribe colombiano) / Effects mangrove conversion to pasture on density and shell size of two gastropods in the Turbo River Delta (Urabá Gulf, Caribbean coast of Colombia)

Mangrove deforestation is widespread in the Greater Caribbean but its impact on macrobenthos has not been evaluated to date. In order to assess the impact of mangrove conversion to pasture, densities and shell sizes of two dominant gastropods (Neritina virginea and Melampus coffeus) were compared among four mangrove types: 1) Rhizophora mangle-dominated fringing mangroves, 2) Avicennia germinans-dominated basin mangroves, 3) Mixed-species basin mangroves, and 4) A. germinansbasin mangroves converted to pastures, in the Turbo River Delta (Urabá Gulf, Colombia). Mangrove types were polygon-delimited with satellite images and color aerial photographs were taken in 2009. various (n<5) polygons per mangrove type were sampled in January, July and December 2009, and a total (n<20) 0.025m²-quadrats were randomly placed along each polygon. Forest structure variables, pore-water physico-chemical variables and sediment-grain metrics were measured in the four mangrove types. Mean density and size of both gastropod species were measured. The results showed that the mean density and size of both species were significantly greater in R. mangle-fringing mangroves. N. virginea density decreased gradually towards the A. germinans-basin mangroves seemly related to the diadromous life-history. This species nearly disappeared in the neighboring pastures because individuals were constrained to a few remaining flooded areas. In the pastures, M. coffeus individuals were clumped in the remaining A. germinans trees due to its climbing behavior as a pulmonate. We hypothesize that the decline of these two gastropods was related to physical microhabitat (e.g. trees, prop roots, and seedlings) degradation, and alteration of soil properties (e.g. temperature, pH, organic matter content). Finally, we also hypothesize that the local extinction of N. virginea due to clear-cutting may exert strong negative effects on the ecosystem function because it is a dominant omnivore.

El delta del río Turbo es una de las áreas del golfo de Urabá, Colombia donde la tala de manglar es más extensa y activa, por lo tanto, se evaluó el impacto de la conversión de manglar a potrero, comparando la densidad y talla promedio de dos gasterópodos (Neritina virginea y Melampus coffeus), variables dasonómicas, físico-químicas intersticiales y granulométricas del suelo entre varios parches de: 1) manglar de franja, 2) manglar de cuenca, 3) manglar de cuenca mixto y 4) manglar de cuenca convertido a potrero, en el delta del río Turbo de este golfo, entre enero y diciembre 2009. Las densidades y tallas de los gasterópodos fueron mayores en el manglar de franja. N. virginea fue muy abundante pero disminuyó hacia el manglar de cuenca (debido a sus hábitos diádromos), y desapareció casi completamente en los potreros, donde los individuos estuvieron agregados en las pocas áreas anegadas. En los potreros, los individuos de M. coffeus estuvieron agrupados en los árboles remanentes debido a su hábito arborícola y su condición de pulmonado. Se sugiere que la escasez de los gasterópodos está relacionada con la degradación del microhábitat físico, y la alteración de propiedades del suelo. Finalmente, también planteamos que la extinción local de N. virginea debida a la tala puede ejercer fuertes efectos negativos sobre la función ecosistémica debido a que es un omnívoro dominante.

La malaria en Colombia, Antioquia y las zonas de Urabá y Bajo Cauca: panorama para interpretar la falla terapéutica antimalárica, parte 2 / Malaria in the colombian regions of uraba and el bajo cauca, province of antioquia: an overwiew to interpret the antimalarial therapeutic failure

ANTECEDENTES Y PROBLEMA: en 1998-2002 se investigó en Antioquia (Turbo, Zaragoza y El Bagre) la eficacia terapéutica de medicamentos y combinaciones antimaláricos. La interpretación de la respuesta terapéutica (adecuada, fallas precoz y tardía) requiere información adicional para una mejor comprensión.OBJETIVO: definir un marco de referencia para interpretar los resultados de las evaluaciones de respuesta terapéutica antimalárica, constituido por información sobre el comportamiento de los programas antimaláricos en Colombia y por información demográfica, epidemiológica, climatológica y socioeconómica sobre el departamento de Antioquia, las regiones de Urabá y Bajo Cauca y los municipios de Turbo y El Bagre.METODOLOGÍA: se usó información oficial secundaria y, menos, información primaria. Con los datos recogidos se construyeron cuadros y gráficos, se hicieron cálculos sobre otras variables.RESULTADOS: la malaria en Antioquia es la malaria de Urabá y Bajo Cauca: aportan el 90 por ciento de los casos. En esas zonas hay falla terapéutica in vivo y resistencia in vitro a varios medicamentos antimaláricos por parte de P. falciparum. En 2002, el 8,38 por ciento de la población de Antioquia residía en Urabá y el 3,98 por ciento en Bajo Cauca, mientras Turbo poseía el 25,62 por ciento de la población urabaense y El Bagre reunía el 27,2 por ciento de la población bajocaucana. El 100 por ciento de la población de estas regiones está expuesta a la malaria. En 1973-1982, la incidencia mediana malárica en Urabá fue de 2.997,3 casos por cien mil expuestos y en el Bajo Cauca fue de 4.463,7 por cien mil expuestos. En 1996-2000, el promedio aritmético del índice parasitario anual fue 40 por mil en Turbo y 156 por mil en el conjunto de El Bagre y Zaragoza. En 2000-septiembre 2003, la relación vivax: falciparum fue de 2:1 y los casos en pacientes masculinos representaron el 61 por ciento. En las dos regiones, la malaria no complicada tiene el mismo cuadro clínico con ambas especies (P. vivax, P. falciparum).

Problem: in the past 5 years we have studied the treatment response to antimalarials and their combinations in the Antioquia region (Turbo, Zaragoza and El Bagre municipalities). The interpretation and better understanding of the treatment outcome (adequate clinical response, early treatment failure or late treatment failure) require further information since this response depends on host's and parasite's factors, independently of the characteristics of the antimalarial administered. Objectives: to define an adequate reference frame which allows for interpretation of results obtained during antimalarials treatment assessment studies. This would include demography, epidemiology, climatic and social-economic information about Colombia, Antioquia, the regions of Uraba, Bajo Cauca and the municipalities of Turbo and El Bagre. Methodology: research of secondary information (publications reports and internet resources), and some primary information (taken from Sistema de Vigilancia Epidemiológica de Antioquia (Sivigila) of Dirección Seccional de Salud de Antioquia DSSA). Data about treatment response were primary information (produced by Grupo Malaria, Universidad de Antioquia), or obtained from other authors. With the gathered data, tables and graphs were produced and calculations were carried out using other variables. Results: the frequency of malaria is presented for Colombia during the period 1960-2002 and the results of the malaria eradication and control programs, and their failure, are described. Similarly, the frequency of malaria in Antioquia during 1959-2003 is discussed and presented in terms of incidence rates and parasite annual indexes (PAI). Non adjusted and adjusted rates and PAI were obtained, therefore adjusted rates are presented by exposed population, which is less of 20%. Adjusted results are 5-6 fold higher that non-adjusted values in Antioquia. However this is not true for the Uraba and Bajo Cauca regions, where 100% of the population is exposed to malaria. Malaria incidence in Antioquia is increasing. The mean PAI for the period 1996-2002 was 54,08‰ in Turbo and 111,20‰ in El Bagre. Malaria is described considering patient's gender and age, in Antioquia as well as in Turbo and El Bagre. A review of the findings about treatment failure in Plasmodium falciparum malaria is presented and some recommendations about the use of antimalarials are outlined