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

Although the vertical structure of rain is relevant in aspects such as climate models (CM) and quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE), data about it is limited in the Andes. Within these aspects, extreme rainfall events are important due to their potential social impacts. Therefore, this study aims to characterize the vertical structure of rain and extreme events in the Tropical Andes using a Vertically Pointing Micro Rain Radar. For this, (i) the diurnal rainfall cycle was determined; (ii) the bright band was characterized; (iii) common characteristics of the vertical rain profile during extreme events, along with the average vertical reflectivity profiles of different development stages of a characteristic extreme event were studied. The study was performed using five years of data from a vertically pointing rain radar installed in Cuenca, Ecuador. The main results indicate that (i) rain events with high intensities are concentrated between 12:30 – 20:00 h (Local Time), during which 77 % of the total rainfall occurs; (ii) the bright band has a thickness between 200 and 400 m, and its top (melting layer) is located between 4500 and 4900 m above sea level; (iii) rainfall shows a high variability in the water column: during the convective stage reflectivity values can increase up to 94 % from the fusion layer to the ground. The results show the complexity of rainfall events in the Andean region and the need to consider these aspects into CM and QPE to improve their accuracy.

Chamaemelum nobile, or Roman chamomile, is a plant containing anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are part of the plant defense system including lipid transfer peptides (LPTs). Our objective is to identify a LTP-related protein from C. nobile (cnLTP). PCR was performed on C. nobile DNA for identifying cnLTP gene. Bioinformatics was used for their characterization, and a sensitivity test was carried out on Rhizoctonia solani. cnLTP has 99 amino acids, 9.8 kDa, isoelectric point of 9.39, 33 aliphatic residues, aliphatic index of 85, hydropathicity of 0.127, four alpha-helices and four disulfide bridges. An inhibitory activity of apoplastic fluid of C. nobile was determined at 1 µg/mL on R. solani. This study contributes in the knowledge of a novel and non-characterized LTP using in silico and experimental related approaches.

This paper analyses Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) change trends in the Llanganates-Sangay Connectivity Corridor (CELS) from 2018 to 2022 and predicts trends through 2030. MapBiomas LULC maps reveals annual change rates (2018–2022) of -0.37 %/year (-1147.33 ha) for Forest Formation, -1.17 %/year (-30.01 ha) for Non-Forest Natural Formation, 2.21 %/year (906.19 ha) for Agriculture and Livestock Areas, 8.50 %/year (250.84 ha) for Non-Vegetated Areas, and 0.17 %/year (30.31 ha) for Water Bodies. The higher annual change rate inside Forest Formation is -0.58 %/year (-990.35 ha) occurring in areas not designated under any conservation status. Projections for 2030 were made using the MOLUSCE tool, combining an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model with Cellular Automata simulations. The ANN model was trained on five explanatory variables and LULC maps from 2018 and 2020, achieving a training error of 8.46 %. Predictive accuracy was assessed by comparing the simulated 2022 LULC map with the 2022 MapBiomas map, resulting in a Kappa coefficient of 0.95, indicating excellent predictive accuracy. Additionally, LULC simulations from 2022 to 2030 predict annual rates of change of –0.27 %/year (-1628.97 ha) for Forest Formation, -1.39 %/year (-63.49 ha) for Non-Forest Natural Formation, 1.92 %/year (1778.26 ha) for Agriculture and Livestock Areas, 0.97 %/year (30.38 ha) for Non-Vegetated Areas, and 0.63 %/year (-146.18 ha) for Water Bodies. The findings show that annual rates of deforestation will remain low and protected areas will have less deforestation than nonprotected areas.

The growth system of microalgae photobioreactors (PBRs) has drawn a lot of interest as a viable and sustainable method for generating quality biomass for value-added products and biofuels. The objective of this research work is to cultivate micro-algae species Chlorella vulgaris in a photobioreactor that was designed, fabricated, and powered by solar energy system. Three experimental conditions were compared with 1:4 ratios of microalgae culture (40L) and fresh water (10L) having 100mL of media (nutrients) used in each experiment with control sample (ambient air aeration) experiment # 1, injecting 200 g of CO2 for 15 sec (experiment # 2), and 300g of CO2 for 25 sec (experiment # 3) on alternate days during the cultivation period. All experiments showed the reduction of nutrients concentration (orthophosphate and nitrate) and enhancement of biomass productivity with respect to 10 days of cultivation period. Experiments 1, 2 and 3 showed removal of orthophosphate as 50 %, 41.74 % and 60.78 % respectively, whereas nitrate removal was 22 %, 48 % and 58 %. Biomass productivity from experiments 1, 2 and 3 after 10 days of cultivation period were 196.63 mg/L, 203.43 mg/L, 318.76 mg/L respectively. Statistical analysis revealed that supplying CO2 from external source in experiment # 2 and experiment # 3 have same pattern of statistical significance with co-relationship between two groups of means with p-value of 6.306 × . The maximum microalgal biomass was recovered from experiment # 3, with 7.98 % by weight protein content yield and lipid content yield 37.4 % by weight (1.87/ 5 g of dried biomass). Kinetic study showed volumetric mass transfer capacities of  and  were found to be 1.763× /s and 1.676× /s, with better result of  gas transfer capacity of the system. In the extracted lipids favorable qualities of fatty acids for the production of microalgae biodiesel were found such as myristic (C14:0), palmitic (C16:0), palmitoleic (C16:1), oleic (C18:1), linoleic (C18:1), and linolenic acids (C18:3). The use of urban micro-algae photobioreactors is an environmentally sustainable strategy that can contribute significantly to the bio-based economy and reduce the negative effects of traditional fossil fuel usage on the environment.

The páramos are ecosystems between 3,2000 and 4,900 meters above sea level. Currently, in Boyacá, the páramos are undergoing mining, deforestation, cattle ranching, and conservation of various plant species, as well as the declaration of nature reserves that strengthen nature ecotourism. The objective of the research was to characterize trees, shrubs, and vines of native fruit tree species, as well as to record the status of the use of fruit-type plant species and the knowledge held by the community in the department of Boyacá. Transect methodologies were applied, with the creation of square plots according to the type of forest and shrub cover. Additionally, an inventory of fruit tree species was conducted, along with photographic records with identification by expert taxonomists and specialized botanical catalogs. As a result, 48 species were recorded in 14 botanical families among the identified plants. The most diverse family in number of genera and species is Ericaceae with 12 species, Rosaceae with 8 species, Solanaceae and Passifloraceae with 3 species, Myrtaceae with 2 species and 6 families with one species. Likewise, the categorization and community information processes were systematized in categories of ethnobotanical use, for example: medicinal, tinctures, juices and conservation. Other species with nutritional functions were identified, for which a descriptive photographic botanical catalog was prepared. Conclusion: It is important to educate the community, as well as organize paramo rangers, to allow the conservation, diversification and use of products and by-products of the páramo.

Vitrakvi is a cancer treatment that targets solid tumors with NTRK gene fusion. NTRKs are rare genetic effects that can arise in tumors from several organs, including the lungs, thyroid glands, and intestines. This study sought to identify the position at which Vitrakvi binds to tropomyosin receptor kinases (TRKs) as well as the effects of TRKC mutations on the fusion site. Materials and PubChem were used to obtain the chemical structure of Vitrakvi. The 3D structure of TRKs was derived from the PDB. Docking was implemented via AutoDock Vina. Docking, visualization, and sequence reconstruction were completed via the PyMol, BIOVIA, and PyRx programs. The fusion of Vitrakvi with TRKA and TRKB is altered if they are combined with their respective stimulators (BDGF and NT-4/5). TRKC combines with Vitrakvi in the same chain in which it is coupled to its stimulator (NT-3), but the fusion site shifts away from the triple mutation site. Even though clinical trials of TRK inhibitors have just started, there is reason to be hopeful for people with TRK mutations and the field of molecularly targeted medicines.

Irrigated agriculture consumes approximately 70 % of the world’s freshwater, making sustainable water delivery imperative. Strategies for sustainable water use, incorporating technical, agronomic, managerial, and institutional advancements are urgently needed, especially in developing countries such as those in the Andes, where agriculture is crucial for socioeconomic growth. Identifying the main issues related to sustainability of irrigation systems are essential, but limited information exists, as most studies focus on small groups of systems rather than a diverse range. To address this, we analyzed data from surveys conducted in 2022 by the Regional Government of Azuay, Ecuador, with representatives of water user associations. We adapted the methodology outlined in the United Nations World Water Development Report 2023 to evaluate these mountain irrigation systems, considering socioeconomic, water resources, users and governance factors. Our study included 235 irrigation systems with irrigated areas ranging from 0.5 to 2400 hectares, classified into four groups: (a) micro (<10 ha), (b) Small (10-100 ha), (c) Medium (100-500 ha), and (d) large (>500 ha). The most urgent issues identified include water allocation not proportional to the irrigated area, agricultural production no longer being the primary source of income, and non-compliance with management rules and fee payments. Most of the issues are due to weak governance. Our findings highlight the complexity of irrigation systems and the barriers to their development. This comprehensive analysis provides insights for building effective policies and emphasizes the importance of regular assessments, which should include systematic monitoring, data collection, and the development of performance indicators. 

In order to determine through a systematic review and meta-analysis the combined prevalence of brucellosis in sheep and goats in the regions of Central America, the Caribbean and South America and to identify if there are differences in their behavior over time, the species studied, the geographic region and the species of the genus Brucella investigated, articles published in the electronic databases PubMed/PubMed Central, Science Direct, Scielo, Ebsco, Springer Link, Elsevier and Google Scholar in the period 2010-2021 were retrieved. Individual brucellosis seroprevalence was calculated for each study and a meta-analysis was performed to estimate pooled prevalence and for subgroup analysis a meta-regression analysis was performed for each variable included in the study separately and variables with P-values<0.01 were used in the multivariate meta-regression analysis. Forty-eight articles were identified that met the criteria for inclusion in the study from 14 countries and territories in the regions studied, six from the Central America and Caribbean region and eight from South America, showing that there are few articles reporting on the seroprevalence of brucellosis in sheep and goats in the regions studied. It was found that there is a high combined prevalence of the disease and that it is higher for B. ovis with respect to Brucella spp. and in the period from 2010 to 2016 with respect to the period from 2017 to 2021. No differences were found in the combined prevalence between sheep and goats or between the regions studied.

Essential oils, due to their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and organoleptic properties, are presented as a natural alternative to synthetic preservatives in the food industry. The objective of this study was to conduct a documentary review on the use of essential oils as natural preservatives in the meat industry. To achieve this, the SALSA method modified by Gunnarsdottir was employed, which includes an exhaustive search, critical evaluation, synthesis, and analysis of the literature, complemented by the snowball technique. The results revealed 21 essential oils derived from various plants, which exhibit antioxidant, antimicrobial, and preservative properties. These characteristics position them as key resources in the preservation of meat products, with doses ranging from 0.5 to 2 mL·kg-1 of oil, depending on the species used. In conclusion, it was determined that essential oils are effective in optimizing the quality, safety, and shelf life of meat products and their derivatives, establishing them as a valuable tool in the industry.

The present research was carried out at the Experimental Farm Río Suma of the “Eloy Alfaro” Laica University of Manabí, Extension in El Carmen, with the aim of evaluating the level of damage caused by Cosmopolites sordidus Germar on two cultivars of Musa ssp. with different disinfection methods. For this purpose, six treatments were established resulting from the factorial combination of two banana varieties: V1 (Curare dwarf), V2 (Dominico Hartón) for factor A, and for factor B, the disinfection methods (MD): MD1 (chemical Cadusafos g·cormo-1), MD2 (physical immersion in hot water at 50ºC for 15 min), and MD3 (physical immersion in ambient water for 24 hours), arranged in a randomized complete block design with factorial arrangement of A (banana varieties) by B (disinfection methods of corms). Mean comparisons were performed using Tukey’s test at a 5% probability level. The evaluated variables were: corm damage (scale), plant height (m), pseudostem perimeter (cm), number of leaves, and bunch biomass (kg). The results showed statistically significant differences only at the variety level (P<0.05), with the Dominico Hartón cultivar being superior for the variables: corm damage, with 1.04 and 1.05 in phases IV and V, respectively, according to the Viladerbo scale; in the variable plant height (m) in all evaluated phases with: 2.98m (phase III); 3.48m (phase IV); and 3.96 m (phase V) and in the pseudostem perimeter only in phase V with 63.67 cm. Since there are no statistical differences between treatments (physical and chemical methods), it is suggested to use the former because it is more environmentally friendly, and it is also recommended to carry out future research with these treatments in several production cycles to minimize the use of agrochemicals.