Sistema Regional de Información
en línea para Revistas Científicas de América Latina,
el Caribe, España y Portugal

Background. Leptospirosis is a bacterial zoonosis caused by pathogenic species of the genus Leptospira that affects mainly reproductive performance in sheep. Objective. To identify the seroprevalence of Leptospira spp., associated serogroups, and possible risk factors in the state of Veracruz, Mexico. Methodology. Blood samples were collected from 405 sheep in 55 farms located in 13 municipalities distributed along three ovine-producing regions in the state. Serological diagnosis was made by Microscopic Agglutination Technique (MAT). The prevalence and its confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using Vassarstats software, the Odds Ratio (OR) values were estimated with WinEpiscope. Results. An overall seroprevalence of 53.83% (95%CI:48.84-58.75), per municipality of 100% (95%CI :71.66-100) and per flock of 92.73% (95%CI: 81.58-97.65) were noted. The highest prevalence by region was 58.82% (95%CI:%:50.57-66.62) for Los Tuxtlas (p= 0.218) and per municipality 86.36% (95%CI:71.95-94.33) for Ángel R. Cabada. The predominant serogroup was Hardjo (45.93%; 95%CI:41.02-50.92). By age, the highest values were 55.93% (95%CI:48.29-63.31) in the group of 19-36 months. The main recognized risk factors were region and municipality. Los Tuxtlas Region (OR =1.92; 95%CI:1.08-3.43) and the municipalities of Ángel R. Cabada (OR=15.5; 95%CI:5.1-47.2), Ayahualulco (OR=10.1; 95%CI :3.6-28.7), and Coatzintla (OR=6.1; 95%CI: 30.3 – 95.0). Implications. This study explores the presence of antibodies against Leptospira spp. in sheep, its associated serogroups and risk factors in the state of Veracruz, Mexico. This is this first report on the presence and relevance of this infection in sheep of this region. The role of sheep as a maintenance host for Leptospira spp. in endemic areas is stressed. Conclusions. The study concludes that Leptospira spp. in sheep has an overall seroprevalence of 53.83% in the state of Veracruz, Mexico and several serogroups present.

Background. The intensity and grazing interval are two very important factors in the management of grasslands that can affect the morphological and productive behavior of the forage species. Due to its productivity and persistence to grazing, ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lamb.) is the main source of pasture for backgrounding cattle during winter-spring in northwestern México. Therefore, it is important to generate knowledge of established pasture with grasses to generate information that will serve producers to improve the economic profitability of livestock activities. Objective. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of grazing intensity (GI) and grazing interval (GIv) on forage yield, elongation rate and botanical composition of ryegrass, under ambient conditions of this arid region. Hypothesis. It is evident to observe that GIv and GI modify the forage yield, elongation rate and botanical composition of L. multiflorum established in irrigated grassland in temperate climate zones. Methodology. The study involved 1008 crossed bull calves (Bos indicus ˣ Bos taurus) of 16 months of age. Calves were distributed in a 3 ˣ 2 factorial arrangement in an RCB design, with three repetitions. Three GIv (21, 28 and 35-d) and two GI (grazed to 4 to 6 cm vs 10 to 12 cm) were evaluated. This 105-d trial was initiated on January 16, 2019, 90 days post-planting and finished on May 01, 2019, using an intensive grazing system with stocking rate of 56 calves per ha. The main effects of grazing interval were evaluated by means of orthogonal polynomials. Results. Forage yield increased linearly (P<0.01) with increasing GIv; whereas with GIv of 28 and 35 days, yield increased with increased GI (interaction, P< 0.01). Stem contribution to yield increased linearly (P<.01) with increasing GIv. Forage lef to stem ratio decreased with increasing GIv and GI; however, at 28-d GIv, GI did not affect this ratio. Implications. The results of the present study contribute to know the productive parameters of an established L. multiflorum meadow in zones of arid climates under two intensities and three grazing intervals. Conclusions. In conclusion, both grazing intensity and grazing interval are effective management tools to modify ryegrass performance during the hot ambient conditions of the Sonoran Desert region, associated with late-spring grazing period.

Background. The mangrove forest is a mixture of tree and shrub species which inhabit the coastal areas of the tropics and subtropics, around estuaries and coastal lagoons, near the mouths of rivers, with another different capacities than the tolerance of salinity. Despite its ecological and social importance, it is one of the ecosystems most threatened by changes in land use and climatic variations. Objective. Evaluate the increase in total height and basal diameter in the dry and rainy period in Avicennia germinans L. seedlings, from the nursery and from natural regeneration. Methodology. In ten sampling units (SU) the total height (At), basal diameter (Db) and the survival rate (%) of the reforested individuals were recorded. In each SU, three Sub-SU (SSU) were installed where only the first two attributes were recorded for natural repopulation. The measurements were carried out in three stages during one year (M1, M2 and M3). Results. The mean annual increase in reforestation was 1.14 cm in Db and 58.8 cm in At. SU 4 was the one that reported the greatest increase in Db (1.87 cm) and At (132.6 cm), while the lowest values were presented in SU 9. The growth relationship between Db and At was statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05). Reforestation survival decreased from 73.2% to 52.7% during the evaluation period. The highest growth in Db, At and survival were in the SU´s where the water flow is greater and with a canopy gap is larger. Natural regeneration had a lower mean annual increase in both Db (0.51 cm) and At (37.2 cm). Implications. This novel information provides the basis for the planning, management and conservation of A. germinans in the southeast of Mexico. Conclusion. The time of measurement and the ecological differences between sampling units significantly influence the dasometric increase of A. germinans. The reforested individuals show a greater annual increase in Db and At compared to those of natural regeneration.

Background. The current challenges of agri-food chains make it necessary for them to be efficient not only from the standpoint of costs, but also to develop the capacity to adapt to the ever-changing environment and set up a long-term vision, i.e., the use of strategic foresight for the production chains planning. Objetive. The objectives of this systematic review were: 1) to compare the use of prospective methods in research’s carried out from 2010 to 2021 for agri-food production chains in Latin America and the Caribbean, 2) to discuss the main scope and achievements of recent studies and 3) analyze the areas of opportunity for the following investigations. Methodology. The study was carried out by the PRISMA statement (Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic reviews and Meta-Analyzes), a systematic literature review was conducted in the global databases ScienceDirect, Elsevier, EBSCO, Springer, Wiley and academic Google using the following key terms: “foresight studies, methodologies, agri-food productive chain and strategic planning”. Implications. Given the complexity of the environment and the high level of competition in which agri-food production chains work, it is necessary to join a long-term vision, i.e. the use of strategic foresight for the production chains development. To make prospective studies, there are a variety of methods available that were analyzed and compared in this research. Conclusions. Despite the enormous contributions of prospective studies, in terms of publications, projects and research results of regional scope are basically published. The systematic analysis carried out indicates that the methodological bases of the recent investigations carried out are based on the French school of prospective and not on the foresight. There is still work to be done in the establishment of Observatories or scientific councils that can process and evaluate strategic studies on the future and also in matters of institutional development of prospective. It is therefore necessary to redouble efforts and continue to develop foresight studies for the priority production chains for the development of the Latin American and Caribbean region.

Background. Bamboo forests are an alternative to mitigate the effects of climate change, doe to the high growth rate, however, in Mexico there are few studies on its biomass and carbon storage. Objective. Estimate and inventory the biomass and carbon stored in stands of G. aculeata Rupr. in forest management unit numbered 2103, Puebla, Mexico. Methodology. The biomass and necreomass were sampled through square sites of 100 m2, the normal diameter at 1.30 m of all the culms present in each site was measured, the litter present in 1 m2 was weighed and samples were taken to determine the carbon content in culm, branches, leaves, roots, and litter. An analysis of variance and a Tukey’s means comparison test were carried out. Results. It was determined that dry base total biomass was on average 308.05 ± 10.13 Mg ha-1, of which 139.09 ± 6.81 Mg ha-1 correspond to stored carbon; in the study area 19,714.91 ± 61.87 t of dry base biomass and 8,901.63 ± 435.78 of stored carbon were estimated. Fixed carbon was 46 ± 0.4%, 44 ± 0.4%, 42± 0.2%, 42 ± 0.5% and 38 ± 1.0% for culms, branches, foliage, roots, and litter, respectively; carbon being different in culm and branches with the content found in foliage, root, and litter. Implications. Although the contribution of branches, foliage and litter was low, these are the most dynamic structural components and represent the photosynthetic machinery for biomass production. Conclusions. The natural forests of G. aculeata Rupr. have a high carbon content like that of tree species, so it is advisable to conserve them and establish forest plantations that allow a sustained carbon capture over time.

Background. Wild teosintle populations represent an important source for the increase of the genetic variability of the native corn of Mexico and Central America. Teosintle plants have a great tolerance to climatic variation and grow in a wide range of altitude; despite this, it is a plant genetic resource that is scarcely valued and therefore little studied. Objective. Morphologically characterize and make a phenological evaluation of accessions of Mexican wild teosintle from CIMMYT. Methodology. An experimental design of complete random blocks with three repetitions and plots of 4 rows of 2 m long with a separation between rows of 80 cm and a planting density adjusted to a hectare of 15,000 plants was used. Results. The Chalco and Mesa Central races of Zea mays ssp. mexicana were those that demonstrated the best values for the agronomic performance variables studied amongst of all the teosintle treatments evaluated. Implications. With the knowledge generated, it will be possible to establish management strategies for wild teosintle populations for commercial purposes. Conclusion. Based on the results obtained, the Chalco and Mesa Central races could be considered to increase genetic variability in genetic improvement programs of commercial corn, as food for farm animals and/or humans and in plant germplasm conservation programs.

Background. State investments to improve the quality and quantity of water for human consumption require cost-effectiveness, especially in the Latin American and Colombian socioeconomic context. The conceptual framework of water ecosystem services allows decision makers to prioritize areas where monetary resources do generate a real impact on the water supplied to municipal aqueducts. Objective. Determine the areas and activities that should be invested as a priority, to promote two water ES in four municipalities of Boyacá. Methodology. The software RIOS was used in order to generate geographical explicit scenarios to indicate the areas where the municipal government must implement activities that in the short, medium and long term, will guarantee a baseflow at the dry season and the decrease of sediments by erosion. Results. It was identified that the higher altitude wooded areas in the basin, should be the object of agroforestry programs in its multiple expressions. Implications. In the specific case of Togüi, agroforestry does not seem to be the activity that contributes to flow control, possibly because of the natural slopes of the basin. Conclusion. This information can be used as a basis for the development of payment for water ecosystem services schemes (PWS).

This article presents a synthesis of observations developed in a research that had as objective to elaborate a pedagogical project to qualify the community health agents in health surveillance of the worker based on the perception of the subjects themselves. It was a qualitative study carried out in 2016, in Vitória da Conquista, Bahia, Brazil, which used the theoretical reference of action research and the focus group technique to approach the subjects. The first stage of the results exposes the view of the nurses regarding the qualification of the agents in health surveillance of the worker, and the second describes the participation and the perception of the community health agents in the construction of the pedagogical proposal of training. The nurses recommended that the training in health surveillance of the worker be built based on the assumptions of permanent education and showed interest in participating in this educational process. There was unanimity of the participating agents regarding the need for training. They suggested contents, methodology and didactic material for the construction of the pedagogical proposal, expressing the desire to participate in an educational process able to overcome the barriers of training, as a true process of permanent education in health.

The objective of this article is to present the process of elaboration of educational material to support actions with young people in the thematic of drugs, result of emancipatory action research, developed during 14 workshops, with researchers and health workers. It was organized in three axes: the structural dimension, which analyzes the production-distribution-drug-consumption phenomenon in the context of contemporary social structure and dynamics; the superstructural dimension, which discusses hegemonic ideology and values in contemporary society and its relation to the phenomenon of drugs; and the axis that analyzes the responses of youth to social contradictions, with discussion about the possibility of political organization as a process of strengthening youth to cope with distress. The parts that make up each axis are: a base text; indication of films and complementary texts; questions to deepen the discussion; pedagogical strategies. The didactic material favors critical and radical educational processes, those that expose the social contradictions that are at the basis of the production-circulation-drug-consumption phenomenon, and overcome formations that focus on the drug and that blame the user, processes that commonly put away the young people of the discussion.

This essay aimed to analyze the need for new professional excellence guided by collective deliberation, debating the ethics applied to health issues in the Brazilian and Spanish experiences. The practical functioning of the bioethics committees in Spain is making progress in constituting the deliberative method as collective participation in professional decisions, discussing the importance of deliberative democracy to build new ethical civility. In Brazil, after the first decades of the construction of the Unified Health System, the professionals’ participation has widened, primarily in the health councils and, with CNS resolution No. 196/96, also in the ethics committees for research involving human subjects, improving new affirmative, organization and collective commitment actions aiming to expand responsibility in the construction and execution of public policies. Ethical deliberation becomes a central feature: professional decisions that were paternalistic and private in act have gradually expanded to collective and socially active deliberation, suggesting the need for a new professional excellence, beyond the merely technical and clinical–individual one. Brazilian bioethics takes on a leading role in the transformation of professional excellence guided by critical solidarity and commitment to public-social matters in deliberation collectives that take the population's quality of life into account.