Climate change profoundly affects plant phenology. An important parameter in research on plant dynamics is the plastochrone interval (PI), which is define as the time interval between the formation of successive leaves. The PI has been used to evaluate seagrass demography and as a direct measure of shoot growth and age. Variations in PI determine the growth rates, maintenance, and success of seagrass beds. Global warming could affect the PI dynamics of Zostera marina and, consequently, alter the dynamics of seagrass beds. Using Bayesian linear regression with a time series composed of 316 biweekly sampling dates from 1998 to 2018, we evaluated PI dynamics in the Punta Banda Estuary in Baja California, Mexico. We found that the tendency of the series was linear with parameter values of β0 = 1.65 (SD ±0.19) and β1 = −0.012 (SD ±0. 001). The Bayesian analysis of variance showed strong evidence of differences in the PI among years, given probabilities from 3.2 to 1.88 × 106 times higher of differences than no differences. The largest differences were detected between cold and hot years. The climatology of the time series PI values showed changes in seasonality over time. Summer and autumn were found to be the most perturbed seasons. Finally, by linking the PI estimates with the sea surface temperature anomalies for the complete series, a good inverse correspondence was observed between hot years and high PI, as well as cold years and low PI values, suggesting that climate change has affected PI among years and seasons.

Our analysis covers 122 scientific publications about health issues in free-ranging Neotropical ungulates produced between 1990 and 2022, with an emphasis on the epidemiology of infectious diseases and parasites. Most studies focus on parasitology (43.4%) and bacteriology (15.6%), while body condition (0.8%), toxicology (1.6%), virology (6.6%), and health assessments (6.6%) are less studied. Brocket deer (Mazama americana and M. gouazoubira), followed by peccaries (Pecari tajacu and Tayassu pecari), and the lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris) were the most frequent species surveyed (61.4% of all publications). We detected considerably higher numbers of studies and health topics covered in Brazil (n = 64; 52.5% of the total) compared to other Latin American countries. We emphasize the need for further research focused on poorly known health aspects of Neotropical ungulates that have received little attention in the past, especially the Chacoan peccary (Catagonus wagneri), taruca deer (Hippocamelus antisensis), Northern pudu (Pudu mephistopheles), and the least known Mazama species. Ecotoxicology and pathology studies are necessary to evaluate the impact of agrochemicals and other human disturbances on Neotropical ungulate populations in the wild. We encourage further research on the human impacts and trends of change in the epidemiology of infectious diseases, parasites, and health status of Neotropical wild ungulate populations.

An ostium secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) is a CHD that can be treated percutaneously since 1974, mostly cases with only one main defect. In cases with fenestrations close to the main defect, a single occluder can be used for treatment because the discs extend beyond the waist of the device. In some cases where the defects are far from each other, they may require either more than one device or surgical closure. We present two patients in whom we observed fenestrations far from the primary defect. Initially, the main ASDs were closed with an ASD occluder, and then the fenestrations were closed with a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) coil, resulting in complete closure of both defects. This shows that closing small fenestrations that are far away from the primary interatrial defect without rims and using other devices instead, such as a PDA coil, is feasible and can avoid the need for an open-heart surgical procedure; moreover, it is important to note that leaving these fenestrations open can have the same physiology as a patent foramen oval.

The aim of this study is to determine if the offspring of mothers with obesity, present disorders in the expression of genes related to atrophy or protein synthesis in the muscle and if these disorders are modified with the (−)-epicatechin (Epi) treatment. Six male offspring per group were randomly assigned to the control groups [C and offspring of maternal obesity (MO)] or the Epi intervention groups, Epi treatment for 13 weeks (C + Epi long or MO + Epi long), or Epi administration for two weeks (C + Epi short or MO + Epi short). The effect of Epi in the gastrocnemius tissue was evaluated, analyzing mRNA and protein levels of Murf1, MAFbx, Foxo1, NFkB, and p70S6K-alpha. After the analysis by two-way ANOVA, we found an influence of the Epi long treatment over the model, by decreasing the Murf1 gene expression in both groups treated with the flavonoid (C + Epi long and MO + Epi long) (p = 0.036). Besides, Epi long treatment over the NFκB expression, by decreasing the fold increase in both groups treated with the flavonoid (C + Epi long and MO + Epi long) (p = 0.038). We not find any interaction between the variables or changes in the MAFbx, Foxo1 mRNA, neither in the phosphorylated/total protein ratio of NFκB, Foxo1, or p70S6K-alpha. In conclusions, treatment with a long protocol of Epi, reduces the mRNA of the muscle atrophy genes Murf 1 and NFkB, in the gastrocnemius muscle; however, these changes are not maintained at protein level.

The aim of this study was to analyse the expression of genes related to the regulation of energy metabolism in skeletal muscle tissue by comparing male offspring in two age groups [at 110 and 245 postnatal days (pnd)] from a mother with obesity induced by a high-fat diet and (-)-epicatechin (Epi) administration. Four groups of six male offspring from different litters were randomly selected for the control groups [C and offspring of mothers with maternal obesity (MO)] or Epi intervention groups. We evaluated the effect of Epi on gastrocnemius tissue by analysing the mRNA and protein expression levels of Fndc5/irisin, Pgc-1α, Ucp3, and Sln. Epi significantly increased the Pgc-1α protein in the MO group of offspring at 110 pnd (p < 0.036, MO vs. MO+Epi), while at 245 pnd, Epi increased Fndc5/irisin mRNA expression in the MO+Epi group versus the MO group (p = 0.006).

No differences were detected in Fndc5/irisin, Ucp3 or Sln mRNA or protein levels (including Pgc-1α mRNA) in the offspring at 110 pnd or in Pgc-1α, Ucp3, or Sln mRNA or protein levels (including Fndc5/irisin protein) at 245 pnd among the experimental groups. In conclusion, (-)-epicatechin treatment increased Fndc5/irisin mRNA expression and Pgc-α protein levels in the gastrocnemius muscle of offspring at postnatal days 110 and 245. Furthermore, it is suggested that the flavonoid effect in a model of obesity and its impact on thermogenesis in skeletal muscle are regulated by a different pathway than Fndc5/irisin.

Toxoplasma gondii has at least 318 genotypes distributed worldwide, and tropical regions usually have greater genetic diversity. Campeche is a state located in the southeastern region of México and has favourable climate conditions for the replication and dissemination of this protozoan, similar to those in South American countries where broad genetic diversity has been described. Thus, in this study, 4 T. gondii isolates were obtained from tissues of stray dogs and free-range chickens in Campeche, México, and were genotyped by Mn-PCR-RFLP with 10 typing markers (SAG1, altSAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1 and Apico) and 5 virulence markers (CS3, ROP16, ROP17, ROP18 and ROP5) to provide new information about the distribution and virulence prediction of T. gondii genotypes. Two isolates of T. gondii genotype #116 and 2 of genotype #38 were obtained from stray dogs and chickens, respectively. The parasite load found in these species was between <50 and more than 35 000 tachyzoites per mg of tissue. Virulence marker genotyping revealed a recombinant 1&3 ROP5 RFLP pattern in 2 ToxoDB #116 isolates with no prediction of virulence in a murine model, while in the 2 ToxoDB #38 isolates, the ROP18/ROP5 combination predicted high virulence. Considering all the typed markers, there is a predominance of type I and III alleles, as constantly reported for the isolates characterized in various regions of México. It is crucial to determine their phenotype to corroborate the genetic virulence profile of the T. gondii isolates obtained in this study.

The occurrence of weeds is one of the main factors limiting agricultural productivity. Studies on new techniques for the identification of these species can contribute to the development of proximal sensors, which in the future might be coupled to machines to optimize the performance of species-specific weed management. Thus, the objective of this study was to use near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and multivariate analysis to discriminate three morningglory species (Ipomoea spp.). The NIR spectra were collected from the leaves of the three weed species at the vegetative stage (up to five leaves), within the spectral band of 4,000 to 10,000 cm−1. The discrimination models were selected according to accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and Youden’s index and were analyzed with a validation data set (n = 135). The best results occurred when the selection of spectral bands associated with the use of preprocessing was performed. It was possible to obtain an accuracy of 99.3%, 98.5%, and 98.7% for ivyleaf morningglory (Ipomoea hederifolia L.), Japanese morningglory [Ipomoea nil (L.) Roth], and hairy woodrose [Merremia aegyptia (L.) Urb.], respectively. NIR spectroscopy associated with principal component analysis and linear discriminant analysis (PC-LDA) or partial least-squares regression with discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) can be used to discriminate Ipomoea spp.

The current study aims to describe the consumption of ultra-processed foods, from 2 to 4 years old, and evaluate its association with growth outcomes during the same period. It is a prospective cohort study using data from the 2015 Pelotas-Brazil Birth Cohort. Outcomes assessed at the 2- and 4-year-old follow-ups were BMI-for-age Z-score and length/height-for-age Z-score. The exposure was a score of ultra-processed food consumption calculated at each follow-up by summing up the positive answers for the consumption of nine specific items/subgroups of ultra-processed foods: (i) instant noodles; (ii) soft drink; (iii) chocolate powder in milk; (iv) nuggets, hamburger or sausages; (v) packaged salty snacks; (vi) candies, lollipops, chewing gum, chocolate or jelly; (vii) sandwich cookie or sweet biscuit; (viii) juice in can or box or prepared from a powdered mix and (ix) yogurt. Crude and adjusted analyses between the score of ultra-processed foods and the outcomes were run using generalised estimating equations. Prevalence of consumption of ultra-processed foods increased from 2 to 4 years old, for all evaluated items/subgroups, except yogurt. In prospective analyses, higher scores of ultra-processed food consumption were associated with higher BMI-for-age Z-score and lower length/height-for-age Z-score, after adjustment for confounders. Ultra-processed food consumption, measured using a short questionnaire with low research burden, increased from 2 to 4 years old and was related to deleterious growth outcomes in early childhood. These results reinforce the importance of avoiding the consumption of these products in childhood to prevent the double burden of malnutrition and non-communicable chronic diseases throughout the life.

The transmission of adult parasites from prey to predatory hosts has been demonstrated for some acanthocephalan and one cestode species. Derogenes lacustris (Digenea: Hemiuroidea: Derogenidae) is a generalist parasite that infects, as an adult, the stomach of native and introduced freshwater fishes in Andean Patagonia. In the present work, the post-cyclic transmission of D. lacustris from native Galaxias maculatus (Galaxiidae) to introduced Oncorhynchus mykiss (Salmonidae) was proved experimentally. The observed transmission rate for this experimental infection was 19%. The body length of D. lacustris on day 14 post-infection was significantly greater than before transmission. The number of eggs also increased significantly after transmission, showing that D. lacustris can survive, grow and continue with egg production for at least 2 weeks in predatory salmonids. This study provides the first experimental evidence of post-cyclic transmission of trematodes and the results suggest that post-cyclic parasitism enables this species to broaden its range of hosts and distribution ranges in Argentinean Patagonia.

How does politics affect private international lending? This article highlights the relationship between international banks, their home governments, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and international regulators during the years that preceded the debt crisis of 1982. Based on new archival evidence from different case studies, we find that the decisions of commercial banks to lend were largely based on the home governments’ preferences, competition, and the assumption that home governments and international organizations would provide lender of last resort functions to support borrowing governments. While previous works suggest the 1982 debt crisis was unexpected, we show that banks primarily reacted to the deteriorating macroeconomic situation in many emerging economies once the support of their home governments and the IMF became uncertain.

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: To assess the impact of FLTCs on CTR on S and F from health professions and basic science academic programs island wide in Puerto Rico. Cycles supported by the Title V Cooperative Project at University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences Campus (UPRMSC) and Universidad Central del Caribe (UCC)(Title V). METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: After offering FLTCs in CTR to S and F from UPRMSC and UCC, Title V expanded it to S and F from other institutions island wide in PR. These FLTCs were offered the 2nd semester of 2018 and consisted of 20 hours of interdisciplinary sessions in: introduction to and definition of CTR; preparation of a CTR-presentation; how to interview/share a presentation of a CT researcher and to prepare a research question in CTR. To assess the knowledge of S and F in the above-mentioned skills and their continuation in the 2nd level of CTR training, surveys were administered: pre-test, at the beginning, post-test, sometime during the FLTCs, and satisfaction at the end of the FLTCs. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Fifty eight (58) S/F from UPRMSC, UCC and 7 other institutions participated. Forty two (42,72%) answered a pre-test and 31/42 (74%) completed the post-test. Results showed that S/F: who correctly defined CTR increased from 7% to 77 %; their ability to identify a CT researcher increased from 10% to 83%. Fifty five percent (55 %) (21/38) S/F that were certified in the FLTCs, answered the satisfaction survey. One hundred percent (100%) indicated that the materials offered contributed in the identification of a CT researcher and a topic in CTR; 100% answered that the FLTCs contributed higher knowledge in and provided new skills in CTR. Moreover, 31/38 (82%) S/F started the 2nd level of training. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: The FLTCs were successful in increasing S/F knowledge of CTR and to further engage in 2nd level of trainings. Title V impact extended island wide, increasing the diversity of represented health professions and science fields among participants. The interventions were deemed to be of high quality.

Darwin's frogs Rhinoderma darwinii and Rhinoderma rufum are the only known species of amphibians in which males brood their offspring in their vocal sacs. We propose these frogs as flagship species for the conservation of the Austral temperate forests of Chile and Argentina. This recommendation forms part of the vision of the Binational Conservation Strategy for Darwin's Frogs, which was launched in 2018. The strategy is a conservation initiative led by the IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group, which in 2017 convened 30 governmental, non-profit and private organizations from Chile, Argentina and elsewhere. Darwin's frogs are iconic examples of the global amphibian conservation crisis: R. rufum is categorized as Critically Endangered (Possibly Extinct) on the IUCN Red List, and R. darwinii as Endangered. Here we articulate the conservation planning process that led to the development of the conservation strategy for these species and present its main findings and recommendations. Using an evidence-based approach, the Binational Conservation Strategy for Darwin's Frogs contains a comprehensive status review of Rhinoderma spp., including critical threat analyses, and proposes 39 prioritized conservation actions. Its goal is that by 2028, key information gaps on Rhinoderma spp. will be filled, the main threats to these species will be reduced, and financial, legal and societal support will have been achieved. The strategy is a multi-disciplinary, transnational endeavour aimed at ensuring the long-term viability of these unique frogs and their particular habitat.

A series of highly attainable desymmetrized heterocyclic compounds with Donor-Acceptor-Donor-Acceptor-X (D-A-D-X) architectures were synthesized. The structures, where X corresponds to a heteroaromatic portion (pyridine, ferrocene, thiadiazolopyridine), were designed through computational analysis. Molecular geometries for all compounds were studied and parameters of charge transfer were computed in order to analyse the behaviour in each architecture. Spectroscopic properties (maximum absorption wavelengths, extinction coefficients and HOMO-LUMO gaps) were predicted and measured experimentally. UV-Vis absorption profiles and values of HOMO-LUMO optical gaps (in the vicinity of 2.0 eV), together with the computational results, are properties that position the obtained systems, as potential candidates for developing efficient photovoltaic materials based on synthetically accessible small organic molecules.

EnDiAs is an argentine group of astronomy fans founded fifteen years ago, whose goal is the public dissemination of Astronomy through Non-Formal Education. We consider that the sky is a World Heritage and everyone should have access to its observation and study. This paper shows the activities carried out by EnDiAs to fulfill its goal.

The regulatory framework of the red octopus (Octopus maya) fishery includes total allowable catches (TAC), which are based on studies conducted on the population that occurs in shallow waters. In fact, most of the biological studies of this species refer to the fraction of the population that occupies waters less than 30 m deep; however, O. maya can occur up to a 60 m depth. The aim of this study is to assess the stock of O. maya that occupies waters between 30 m and 60 m deep. Four research cruises were carried out during the closed and fishing seasons, from May 2016 to January 2017. An average of 29 sampling sites were surveyed in each cruise (±2 sampling sites) using a commercial vessel with a uniform sampling effort. In each sampling site, the swept area, the total number of octopuses captured, the total weight of the catch, and the individual weight of octopuses were recorded. Biomass was obtained with four methods: stratified random method, swept area method, geostatistical biomass model, and an unpublished method of weighted swept area. The four methods provided consistent results. The distribution pattern of species was in patches, although before the fishing season started it was more homogeneous. The fraction of the population that occurs between 30 m and 60 m deep consisted mostly of adult organisms, so it could be contributing significantly to the recruitment of the entire population, even to the fraction that is exploited.

OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: The Title V Cooperative Project of the UPR-MSC and UCC has demonstrated that educational interventions in CTR are very effective in fulfilling the objective of promoting awareness, stimulate interest and increase the knowledge, skills and opportunities, to US, GS and F (participants) in CTR. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: The training sessions (TS) offered through the Title V initiative have become an engine for the involvement in CTR for participants from higher education institutions island-wide. TS consisted of cycles –level 1 and 2–: Research Education Towards Opportunities (RETO,I,II) and Mentorship Offering Training Opportunities for Research (MOTOR,I,II), ending in the formation of the Clinical and Translational Mentoring Teams (CTMT)s, in which participants, paired by their research interests, were mentored by a well-established CT researchers in their research project, to be developed in the Intensive Development and Experiences in Advancement of Research and Increased Opportunities (IDEARIO). RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Up to date, 4 TS-level 1 and 2 TS-level 2 were offered. Eighty (80) participants completed level 1, distributed: 42 (52.5%) US in RETO, 21 (26.25%) GS and 17 (21.25%) F in MOTOR and 17 participants completed level 2, distributed: 4 (23.52%) US in RETO, 6 (25.29%) GS and 7 (41.17%) F in MOTOR. From which, 15, with 8 CT researchers, formed 5 CTMTs in different research areas – cardio, neuro, liver, renal, Zika–. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: US, GS and F were integrated in the active process throughout educational levels for their development in CTR.

This study proposes a sampling method for ground-truthing LiDAR-derived data that will allow researchers to verify or predict the accuracy of results over a large area. Our case study is focused on a 24 km2 area centered on the site of Yaxnohcah in the Yucatan Peninsula. This area is characterized by a variety of dense tropical rainforest and wetland vegetation zones with limited road and trail access. Twenty-one 100 x 100 m blocks were selected for study, which included examples of several different vegetation zones. A pedestrian survey of transects through the blocks was conducted, recording two types of errors. Type 1 errors consist of cultural features that are identified in the field, but are not seen in the digital elevation model (DEM) or digital surface model (DSM). Type 2 errors consist of features that appear to be cultural when viewed on the DEM or DSM, but are caused by different vegetative features. Concurrently, we conducted an extensive vegetation survey of each block, identifying major species present and heights of stories. The results demonstrate that the lidar survey data are extremely reliable and a sample can be used to assess data accuracy, fidelity, and confidence over a larger area.