Abstract The presence of feral fauna in conserved ecosystems causes negative impacts and, combined with pressures to which native flora and fauna are subjected, such as fires, fragmentation, change in land use, have a negative impact on the distribution and density of species, as well as the Loss of species and particularly fauna may be subject to local displacement or extinction processes. The purpose of this study is to identify the species of feral fauna and their habits in a portion of medium-sized jungle located in Acapulco, Guerrero. Eight camera traps were located and georeferenced in a fragment of medium forest with an area of eight hectares from the period March 2022 to January 2023. From the sampling, 1,184 photographs were obtained, two species of feral terrestrial mammals and 5 of native fauna were observed. The most abundant species were Didelphis virginiana (n = 22), Dasypus novemcinctus (n = 12), Canis lupus familiaris (n = 10), Felis silvestris catus (n = 9) and the least abundant were Procyon lotor (n = 3) and Tamandua mexicana (n = 1), with this the feral and native Bambas species have crepuscular nocturnal habits, so if they do not coincide they use the same trails, which increases the possibility of encounters, control activities are required, containment for the feral fauna since the project area borders protected natural areas.

Resumen La presencia de fauna feral en ecosistemas conservados causa impactos negativos y aunado a presiones a las que está sometida la flora y la fauna nativa, tales como incendios, fragmentación, cambio de uso de suelo, repercuten negativamente en la distribución y densidad de las especies, así como la pérdida de las mismas, mientras que la fauna puede ser o estar sujeta a procesos de desplazamiento o extinción de manera local. La finalidad del presente estudio es identificar las especies de fauna feral y sus hábitos en una porción de selva mediana en Acapulco, Guerrero. Se ubicaron y georreferenciaron ocho cámaras trampa, en un fragmento de selva media con una superficie de ocho hectáreas del periodo marzo del 2022 a enero 2023. Del muestreo se obtuvieron 1184 fotografías, en donde se observaron dos especies de mamíferos terrestres ferales y 5 de fauna nativa. Las especies más abundantes fueron Didelphis virginiana (n = 22), Dasypus novemcinctus (n = 12), Canis lupus familiaris (n=10), Felis silvestris catus (n=9) y las poco abundantes fueron Procyon lotor (n = 3) y Tamandua mexicana (n = 1); se evidenció que las especies ferales y nativas ambas tienen hábitos nocturnos crepusculares, por lo que si no coinciden utilizan los mismos senderos, lo que aumenta la posibilidad de encuentros. Por ello, se requieren actividades de control, contención para la fauna feral ya que el área del proyecto colinda con áreas naturales protegidas.

Resumo A presença de fauna silvestre em ecossistemas conservados causa impactos negativos e, aliada às pressões a que estão submetidas a flora e a fauna nativas, como incêndios, fragmentação, mudança no uso do solo, impactam negativamente na distribuição e densidade das espécies, como bem como a sua perda, enquanto a fauna pode estar ou estar sujeita a processos locais de deslocamento ou extinção. O objetivo deste estudo é identificar as espécies da fauna silvestre e seus hábitos em uma porção de selva de médio porte em Acapulco, Guerrero. Oito armadilhas fotográficas foram localizadas e georreferenciadas em um fragmento de floresta média com área de oito hectares no período de março de 2022 a janeiro de 2023. Da amostragem foram obtidas 1.184 fotografias, onde foram encontradas duas espécies de mamíferos terrestres silvestres e 5 de fauna. foram observados. As espécies mais abundantes foram Didelphis virginiana (n = 22), Dasypus novemcinctus (n = 12), Canis lupus familiaris (n = 10), Felis silvestris catus (n = 9) e as menos abundantes foram Procyon lotor (n = 3) e Tamanduá Mexicano (n = 1); Ficou evidente que ambas as espécies silvestres e nativas possuem hábitos noturnos crepusculares, portanto, caso não coincidam, utilizam as mesmas trilhas, o que aumenta a possibilidade de encontros. Portanto, são necessárias atividades de controle e contenção para a fauna selvagem, uma vez que a área do projeto faz fronteira com áreas naturais protegidas.

RESUMO A relevância cultural dos mamíferos terrestres na condução do turismo de vida selvagem é abordada através da avaliação do seu valor cultural e importância para as comunidades locais. Este estudo teve como objetivo registrar o conhecimento e o uso turístico dos mamíferos terrestres em Jipijapa, Manabí, Equador. Foram realizadas pesquisas entre moradores locais e especialistas para coletar os mamíferos e seus usos, seguido do cálculo do valor de importância de cada espécie. Os resultados revelaram a presença de 52 espécies de mamíferos, a maioria ameaçadas. Os usos foram educação e conscientização (86 menções), observação de vida selvagem (81), turismo de caça fotográfica (80), ecoturismo (74), turismo de aventura (73) e atrações em parques temáticos (22). As espécies de maior importância e valor cultural são Ateles fusciceps, Bradypus variegatus, Desmodus rotundus, Didelphis marsupialis, Glyphonycteris daviesi, Lycalopex sechurae, Nasua narica, Simosciurus stramineus, Tamandua mexicana e Vampyrum spectro, associadas a paisagens culturais. Esta abordagem etnozoológica fornece uma base sólida para o planeamento e análise de atividades turísticas focadas na fauna local, o que contribui para a conservação da biodiversidade e o desenvolvimento sustentável da região.

ABSTRACT The cultural relevance of terrestrial mammals in driving wildlife tourism is addressed by assessing their cultural value and importance to local communities. This study aimed to record the knowledge and tourist use of terrestrial mammals in Jipijapa, Manabí, Ecuador. Surveys were conducted among local residents and experts to collect the mammals and their uses, followed by calculating the importance value of each species. The results revealed the presence of 52 mammal species, most of them threatened. The uses were education and awareness (86 mentions), wildlife observation (81), photo hunting tourism (80), ecotourism (74), adventure tourism (73) and theme park attractions (22). The species of greatest importance and cultural value are Ateles fusciceps, Bradypus variegatus, Desmodus rotundus, Didelphis marsupialis, Glyphonycteris daviesi, Lycalopex sechurae, Nasua narica, Simosciurus stramineus, Tamandua mexicana and Vampyrum spectrum, associated with cultural landscapes. This ethnozoological approach provides a solid basis for the planning and analysis of tourism activities focused on local fauna, which contributes to the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable development of the region.

RESUMEN La relevancia cultural de los mamíferos terrestres en el impulso del turismo de vida silvestre se aborda mediante la evaluación de su valor cultural y su importancia para las comunidades locales. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo registrar el conocimiento y uso turístico de los mamíferos terrestres en Jipijapa, Manabí, Ecuador. Se realizaron encuestas a residentes locales y expertos para recopilar los mamíferos y sus usos, seguido del cálculo del valor de importancia de cada especie. Los resultados revelaron la presencia de 52 especies de mamíferos, la mayoría de ellas amenazadas. Los usos fueron educación y sensibilización (86 menciones), observación de vida silvestre (81), turismo de caza fotográfica (80), ecoturismo (74), turismo de aventura (73) y atracciones en parques temáticos (22). Las especies de mayor importancia y valor cultural son Ateles fusciceps, Bradypus variegatus, Desmodus rotundus, Didelphis marsupialis, Glyphonycteris daviesi, Lycalopex sechurae, Nasua narica, Simosciurus stramineus, Tamandua mexicana y Vampyrum spectrum, asociadas a paisajes culturales. Este enfoque etnozoológico proporciona una base sólida para la planificación y análisis de actividades turísticas centradas en la fauna local, lo que contribuye a la conservación de la biodiversidad y al desarrollo sostenible de la región.

Abstract: A great diversity of living beings and human values are invisible to the prevailing global culture, which associates the word biodiversity with large organisms such as trees and mammals. Paradoxically, most biodiversity is made up of small organisms that remain invisible to global society and are under-represented in philosophy, science, and education. To help resolve this “biocultural blindness” about biological and value diversity, in this article we present concepts and practices of field environmental philosophy. We focus on the activity “ecotourism with a hand-lens” to illustrate “conceptual lenses” that amplify the appreciation of biological and cultural diversity. This activity integrates philosophy, sciences, and arts to appreciate the beauty and relevance of small organisms and the multiplicity of languages, forms of knowledge, and values that different cultural traditions give to biodiversity. Participants practice forms of analogical thinking to co-create knowledge and biocultural expressions of their own, instead of being passive recipients of information. Finally, this field environmental philosophy activity combines bodily and sensory activities with theoretical readings that provide conceptual foundations for cultivating a biocultural ethic that guides forms of co-inhabitation with small and large co-inhabitants (humans and others-than-humans) with whom we share both our local habitats and the global biosphere.

Resumen: Una gran diversidad de seres vivos y valores humanos son invisibles a la cultura global prevaleciente, que asocia la palabra biodiversidad con grandes organismos tales como mamíferos y árboles. Paradójicamente, la mayoría de la biodiversidad está compuesta por pequeños organismos que permanecen invisibles para la sociedad global y son subrepresentados en la filosofía, la ciencia y la educación. Para contribuir a resolver esta “ceguera biocultural” sobre la diversidad biológica y de valores, en este artículo presentamos conceptos y prácticas de la filosofía ambiental de campo. Nos enfocamos en la actividad “ecoturismo con lupa” para ilustrar “lentes conceptuales” que amplifican la apreciación de la diversidad biológica y cultural. Esta actividad integra las ciencias, artes, humanidades y ética para apreciar la belleza y relevancia de los pequeños organismos y los múltiples lenguajes, formas de conocimientos y valores que diferentes tradiciones culturales otorgan a la biodiversidad. Los participantes practican formas de pensamiento analógico para co-crear conocimiento y expresiones bioculturales propias, en vez de ser receptores pasivos de información. Finalmente, la práctica de la filosofía ambiental de campo combina actividades corporales y sensoriales con lecturas teóricas que proveen fundamentos conceptuales para cultivar una ética biocultural que orienta formas de co-habitación con pequeños y grandes co-habitantes, humanos y otros-que-humanos, con quienes compartirnos tanto nuestros hábitats locales como la biosfera global.

Resumen Se presentan los resultados del análisis de los restos faunísticos recuperados en el sitio arqueológico Los Conitos (valle de Potrerillos, Mendoza, Argentina). El sitio posee dataciones absolutas que definen las ocupaciones en un rango cronológico entre los ca. 796-3694 años AP (cal 2σ). Se recuperaron evidencias de macro restos de plantas domésticas, registro imprescindible para evaluar las prácticas agrícolas prehispánicas en el centro occidente argentino. El análisis tafonómico realizado en el presente estudio permitió identificar a humanos y depredadores no antrópicos (probablemente pequeños carnívoros) como los agentes responsables de dichas acumulaciones. En cuanto a las evidencias antrópicas, se detectaron huellas de corte sobre huesos de Lama guanicoe. Se registraron especímenes asignables al roedor octodóntido extinto Octomys rosiae. Los mamíferos fueron el grupo más frecuente, dominado por roedores, aunque se detectaron armadillos, marsupiales y lepóridos en baja proporción. También se recuperaron escasos elementos asignados a reptiles y aves. Se observó una considerable cantidad de elementos modificados por digestión. También se identificaron perforaciones por carnívoros. El ensamble zooarqueológico evidencia la co-ocurrencia de especies con distribuciones actualmente alopátricas.

Abstract In this paper, the results of the analyses of bone remains recovered in the Los Conitos archaeological site (Potrerillos Valley, Mendoza, Argentina) are presented. The site covers a chronological range of c. 796-3694 years BP (cal 2σ). Numerous domestic plant macro remains were recovered at the site, the record of which is an important source for evaluating pre-Hispanic farming strategies in central-western Argentina. Taphonomic analysis enabled the identification of human and non-anthropic predators (probably small carnivores) as the responsible agents of such accumulations. Regarding anthropic evidence, only two cut marks were detected on two bones of Lama guanicoe. Bone specimens of the extinct octodontid rodent Octomys rosiae were recovered. Mammals were the most represented taxonomic group, dominated by rodents; although armadillos, marsupials and leporids were detected in low proportion. Bone remains of birds and reptiles were scarce. We observed a considerable number of specimens that were modified by digestion, with strong degrees of modification. Punctures associated with carnivore activity were also recorded. The zooarchaeological assemblage shows the co-occurrence of species with current allopatric distributions.

Abstract In Mexico, it is not known which institutions use animals for scientific purposes. This work reports, based on data requested from the National Institute of Transparency, Access to Information and Protection of Personal Data (INAI by its acronym in Spanish), the types of institutions that use animals for research and how many of these have an ethics committee. Research centres, colleges, hospitals, national institutes, technical colleges, and public universities are the types of institutions that report using animals for experimentation. Only 54 % of institutions have ethics committees. Mexican institutions from 2015 to 2021 used a total of 2,112,786 animals. Mammals are the most widely used animal group. The scientific purposes for using animals depend on the type of institution that uses them. In Mexico, it is necessary to update the regulations in order to regulate the use, protection and the care of laboratory animals.

Resumen En México, se desconoce qué instituciones utilizan animales con fines científicos. A partir de datos solicitados al Instituto Nacional de Transparencia, Acceso a la Información y Protección de Datos Personales (INAI), se reportan los tipos de instituciones que usan animales y cuántas poseen un comité interno para el cuidado y uso de los animales de laboratorio. Los centros de investigación, colegios, hospitales, institutos nacionales, tecnológicos y universidades públicas reportaron el empleo de animales; 54 % posee comités de ética. Un total de 2 112 786 animales fueron usados por instituciones entre 2015 y 2021. Los mamíferos constituyeron el grupo más utilizado. El uso de los animales se encuentra en función del tipo de institución. En México, es necesario actualizar la normatividad, con el fin de regular el uso, la protección y el cuidado de los animales de laboratorio.

Abstract Methionine is one of the two sulfur-containing amino acids demanded in the diet of humans, other mammals and avian species, while most of the produced methionine is consumed as an animal feed additive, especially in livestock production and the poultry market. In this paper, the techno-economic assessment and conceptual design of an industrial scale, feed grade dl-methionine production process was carried out using SuperPro Designer® simulator. The plant was designed to produce 109 tons of dl-methionine per year through the chemical synthesis route. The total capital investment and annual operating cost of the proposed plant were USD $ 8.282 million and USD $ 1.323 million, respectively, while the net present value, the internal rate of return and payback time of the project were USD $ 4.436 million, 20.33 % and 4.74 years, respectively. The findings indicated that the proposed production process is feasible and profitable for a dl-methionine selling price of USD $ 35/kg. The innovative simulation model obtained in this work could be used for further optimization studies, as well as to increase the productivity and profitability of the proposed plant.

Resumo A metionina é um dos dois aminoácidos contendo enxofre necessário na dieta de humanos, outros mamíferos e espécies aviárias, enquanto a maior parte da metionina produzida é usada como aditivos na alimentação animal, especialmente na produção pecuária e no mercado avícola. Neste artigo foi realizada a avaliação técnico-econômica e o projeto conceitual de um processo de produção de dl-metionina de qualidade alimentar em escala industrial utilizando o simulador SuperPro Designer®. A planta foi projetada para produzir 109 t de dl-metionina por ano por meio de síntese química. O investimento total de capital e o custo operacional anual da planta proposta foram de US$ 8,282 milhões e US$ 1,323 milhões, respectivamente, enquanto o valor presente líquido, a taxa interna de retorno e o período de retorno do projeto da planta proposta foram de US$ 4,436 milhões, 20,33% e 4,74 anos, respectivamente. As descobertas indicaram que o processo de produção proposto é viável e rentável para um preço de venda de dl-metionina de US$ 35/kg. O inovador modelo de simulação obtido neste trabalho poderá ser utilizado para posteriores estudos de optimização, bem como para aumentar a produtividade e lucratividade da planta proposta.

Resumen La metionina es uno de los dos aminoácidos que contienen azufre requeridos en la dieta de humanos, otros mamíferos y especies aviares, mientras que la mayoría de la metionina producida es usada como aditivos de alimento animal, especialmente en la producción de ganado y el mercado avícola. En este artículo, se llevó a cabo la evaluación técnico-económica y diseño conceptual de un proceso de producción de dl-metionina de grado alimenticio a escala industrial usando el simulador SuperPro Designer®. La planta fue diseñada para producir 109 t de dl-metionina por año a través de la ruta de la síntesis química. La inversión total de capital y el costo anual de operación de la planta propuesta fueron de USD $ 8,282 millones y USD $ 1,323 millones, respectivamente, mientras que el valor actual neto, la tasa interna de retorno y el periodo de recuperación de la inversión del proyecto fueron de USD $ 4,436 millones, 20,33 % y 4,74 años, respectivamente. Los hallazgos indicaron que el proceso de producción propuesto es factible and rentable para un precio de venta de la dl-metionina de USD $ 35/kg. El modelo de simulación innovador obtenido en este trabajo puede usarse para estudios de optimización posteriores, así como también para incrementar la productividad y rentabilidad de la planta propuesta.

Abstract Species of the genus Anisakis (Nematoda: Anisakidae) are indirect life-cycle marine parasites. Planktonic crustaceans serve as first intermediate hosts, while fish and cephalopods as second intermediate or paratenic hosts, and finally the cycle is completed in cetaceans, marine mammals that are the main definitive hosts of the genus. In the life cycle, Anisakis larvae can be ingested by humans as accidental hosts, which can cause anisakiasis, a zoonosis acquired through the consumption of raw or marinated fish and cephalopods. These nematodes have a cosmopolitan distribution; however, their diversity has been poorly studied in the southern hemisphere. Therefore, diversity of Anisakis spp. larvae present in two host species in Chile was evaluated by combining morphometric and genetic analysis. For this purpose, Anisakis spp. larvae were collected from the abdominal cavity of hake Merluccius gayi and the Humboldt squid Dosidicus gigas from fishing ports in the Biobío Region, Chile. Morphometric characterization of Anisakis spp. larvae consisted of measuring the length of the esophagus, esophageal ventricle, tail, total length and maximum body width. The nuclear ITS (ITS1- ITS2) and mitochondrial COX2 molecular regions were used for genetic analysis. Morphometric results revealed that Anisakis larvae extracted from D. gigas were significantly longer than those collected from M. gayi, suggesting high host-dependent phenotypic variability. Molecular and phylogenetic analyses determined the presence of Anisakis pegreffii in both host, however, demonstrated low genetic differentiation and nucleotide diversity among sequences, indicating low genetic variability for the data set. This work constitutes the first molecular record of A. pegreffii in intermediate / paratenic hosts from the coast of Chile.

Resumen Las especies del género Anisakis (Nematoda: Anisakidae) son parásitos marinos con ciclo de vida indirecto. Los crustáceos planctónicos intervienen como primeros hospedadores intermediarios, mientras que peces y cefalópodos intervienen como segundos hospedadores intermediarios o paraténicos, finalmente el ciclo se cierra en los cetáceos, mamíferos marinos que son los principales hospedadores definitivos del género. En el ciclo de vida, las larvas de Anisakis pueden ser ingeridas por el hombre interviniendo como huésped accidental, lo que puede ocasionar anisakiasis, una zoonosis adquirida a través del consumo de peces y cefalópodos crudos o marinados. Estos nemátodos tienen una distribución cosmopolita, sin embargo, su diversidad ha sido escasamente estudiada en el hemisferio Sur. Por tanto, se evaluó la diversidad de las larvas de Anisakis spp., presentes en dos especies de hospederos de Chile, combinando el análisis morfométrico y genético. Para ello, se recolectaron larvas de Anisakis spp. en la cavidad abdominal de la merluza Merluccius gayi y el calamar de Humboldt Dosidicus gigas, procedentes de terminales pesqueros de la región del Biobío, Chile. La caracterización morfométrica de las larvas de Anisakis spp., consistió en la medición de la longitud del esófago, ventrículo esofágico, cola, longitud total y ancho máximo del cuerpo. Para los análisis genéticos se usó la región molecular nuclear ITS (ITS1-ITS2) y mitocondrial COX2. Los resultados morfométricos revelaron que las larvas de Anisakis extraídas de D. gigas fueron significativamente de mayor longitud que las recolectadas en M. gayi, sugiriendo una alta variabilidad fenotípica hospedador-dependiente. Los análisis moleculares y filogenéticos determinaron la presencia de Anisakis pegreffii en ambos hospedadores, sin embargo, demostraron una baja diferenciación genética y diversidad nucleotídica entre las secuencias, indicando una escasa variabilidad genética para el conjunto de datos. Este trabajo constituye el primer registro molecular de A. pegreffii en hospedadores intermediario o paraténicos de la costa de Chile.

ABSTRACT Microplastics are generated by the fragmentation of plastic that enters the oceans and is accidentally consumed by various species in the trophic chain. Otariids are considered bioindicators of the presence of microparticles in the environment; however, the level of impact in the coastal area of the Bio-bío region, Chile, is unknown. The aim of this work was to evaluate the presence of this polymer in faeces of sea lions (Otaria flavescenses), in the ‘La Poza’ sector, commune of Talcahuano, Bio-bío region. Stool samples were collected, freeze-dried, digested and subsequently filtered to identify microplastics. Microfibres of various colours were found, with a predominance of black. It is concluded that sea lions were indicators of the circulation of microplastics in their food chain in the sampling area.

RESUMEN Los microplásticos se generan por la fragmentación del plástico que ingresa a los océanos y es consumido accidentalmente por diversas especies que se encuentran en la cadena trófica. Los otáridos son considerados como bioindicadores de la presencia de micropartículas en el ambiente; sin embargo, se desconoce el nivel de afectación en la zona costera de la región del Bio-bío, Chile. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar la presencia de este polímero en heces de lobos marinos (Otaria flavescens), en el sector ‘La Poza’, comuna de Talcahuano, región del Bio-bío. Se tomaron muestras de heces que fueron liofilizadas, digeridas y posteriormente filtradas para identificar microplásticos. Se encontraron microfibras de varios colores, con predominio del color negro. Se concluye que los lobos marinos fueron indicadores de circulación de microplásticos en su cadena trófica en la zona de muestreo.

Abstract Sustainable forest management requires the integration of better practices for the conservation of biological diversity. Therefore, it is necessary to know the composition and richness of wild communities in sites where different forest management practices are applied. To this end, the fauna of managed forests in the Chignahuapan region of Puebla State was sampled for four years. A total of 112 species were recorded: 13 medium and large mammals, 83 birds, four amphibians and 12 reptiles. The abundances of these observed species were used to calculate the expected richness with the non-parametric Chao1 estimator. The management method with the highest expected richness was the Silvicultural Development Method (MDS) with 113, followed by Successive Cutting (CS) with 97, and the lowest was observed in the Mexican Method for the Management of Irregular Forests (MMOBI) with 71. Sampling completeness ranged from 92 % in amphibians to 99 % in mammals. Sixteen species are in some risk category in the official Mexican standard NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010, and 25 are endemic to Mexico. Taxonomic lists contain information on conservation status, endemism and relative abundance. Intensive forest management methods, such as MDS, have a richer mammal and bird community than MMOBI and CS but are similar to protected areas. The richness and abundance of amphibians and reptiles, most of them in some risk category, are low, especially in MMOBI and CS, and almost absent in protected areas.

Resumen El manejo forestal sustentable requiere de la integración de mejores prácticas de conservación de la diversidad biológica. Para esto, es necesario conocer la composición y riqueza de las comunidades silvestres en los sitios donde se aplican diferentes prácticas silvícolas. Con esta finalidad, se muestreó durante cuatro años la fauna de bosques productivos de la región de Chignahuapan, Puebla. Se registraron 112 especies: 13 de mamíferos medianos y grandes, 83 de aves, cuatro de anfibios y 12 de reptiles. A partir de la abundancia de estas especies observadas, se determinó la riqueza esperada con el estimador no paramétrico Chao1. El método de manejo con mayor riqueza esperada fue el Método de Desarrollo Silvícola (MDS) con 113, seguido por Cortas Sucesivas (CS) con 97, y la menor se observó en el Método Mexicano de Ordenación de Bosques Irregulares (MMOBI) con 71. La completitud de los muestreos varió del 92 % en anfibios al 99 % en mamíferos. Dieciséis especies se encuentran en alguna categoría de riesgo en la norma oficial mexicana NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010, y 25 son endémicas de México. Se presentan listas taxonómicas con información sobre la situación de conservación, endemismo y abundancia relativa. Los métodos intensivos de manejo forestal, como MDS, tienen una comunidad de mamíferos y aves más rica que el MMOBI y CS, pero similar a las de áreas bajo protección. La riqueza y abundancia de anfibios y reptiles, la mayoría en alguna categoría de riesgo, son bajas, especialmente en el MMOBI y CS, y casi ausentes en zonas de protección.

Abstract Leishmaniosis is a disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania and, in the New World, is transmitted to mammals through the bite of blood-sucking dipteran insects of the genus Lutzomyia. Canines are susceptible to infection, developing the visceral form (VL) and the cutaneous form (CL) of the disease. Diagnostic methods include direct observation of the parasite by light microscopy, serology, or molecular biology techniques in samples from dogs with clinical signs and/or clinical suspicion. In this word, the usefulness of a nested PCR designed for the diagnosis of this pathology in dogs was evaluated. A total of 18 samples of EDTA pre-treated dog’s whole blood were analyzed. Dogs were from the city of Corrientes and presented clinical suspicion of suffering from leishmaniasis. From the samples, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted and two successive rounds of amplification of a sequence that codes for the small subunit of ribosomal RNA were carried out. The results obtained from the nested PCRs were compared with this obtained from the direct parasitological method (gold standard). The applied technique showed a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 75%, positive predictive value of 67% and negative predictive value of 100%, turning it into a valuable tool for diagnosing canine leishmaniosis.

Resumen La leishmaniosis es una enfermedad causada por parásitos protozoarios del género Leishmania y transmitida a mamíferos mediante la picadura de insectos dípteros hematófagos del género Lutzomyia en el nuevo mundo. Los caninos son susceptibles de adquirir la forma visceral y la forma cutánea de la enfermedad. Los métodos de diagnóstico incluyen observación directa del parásito por microscopía óptica, serología o técnicas de biología molecular en muestras de perros con signos clínicos evidentes y/o sospecha clínica. En este estudio se evaluó la utilidad de una reacción en cadena de la polimerasa anidada (PCRn) para el diagnóstico de dicha patología en perros. Se analizaron 18 muestras de sangre entera anticoagulada con EDTA de perros de la ciudad de Corrientes con sospecha clínica de padecer leishmaniosis. A partir de las mismas, se extrajo ácido desoxiribonucleico (ADN) y se realizaron dos rondas de amplificación sucesivas de una secuencia que codifica para la subunidad pequeña de ARN ribosomal. Los resultados obtenidos de las PCR anidadas fueron comparados con los resultados obtenidos a partir del método parasitológico directo considerado como gold standard. La técnica aplicada mostró sensibilidad del 100%, especificidad del 75%, valor predictivo positivo del 67% y valor predictivo negativo del 100% lo que la convierte en una herramienta útil para el diagnóstico de leishmaniosis canina.

ABSTRACT In 2007 the Nordic group came to the following unanimous conclusions: In general, hormonal treatment is not recommended, considering the poor immediate results and the possible long-term adverse effects on spermatogenesis. Thus, surgery is to be preferred. However, defective mini puberty inducing insufficient gonadotropin secretion is one of the most common causes of nonobstructive azoospermia in men suffering from congenital isolated unilateral or bilateral cryptorchidism. The extent of alteration in the unilateral undescended testis correlate with the contralateral descended testis, indicating that unilateral cryptorchidism is a bilateral disease. Idiopathic central hypogonadism explains the phenomenon of defective mini puberty in otherwise healthy cryptorchid boys. We therefore recommend hormonal treatment for cryptorchid boys with defective mini puberty. Gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) treatment following surgery to correct cryptorchidism restores mini puberty via endocrinological and transcriptional effects and prevents adult infertility in most cases. Several genes are important for central hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in mammals, including many that are transcribed in both the brain and testis. At the molecular level, there is no convincing evidence that heat shock is responsible for the observed pathological testicular changes. Thus, impaired transformation of gonocytes is not the result of temperature stress but rather a hormonal imbalance. Cryptorchidism should therefore be considered a serious andrological problem that cannot be successfully treated by early orchidopexy alone.

Resumo Este estudo objetivou analisar a dieta do cachorro-do-mato, de vida livre, por meio da identificação do conteúdo estomacal de 17 Cerdocyon thous atropelados em duas unidades de conservação da Floresta Amazônica. O conteúdo estomacal foi analisado e os itens alimentares foram quantificados pela frequência de ocorrência (FO) e percentagem de ocorrência (PO). Também foram avaliados os teores de matéria seca (MS), proteína bruta (PB), fibra bruta (FB), extrato etéreo (EE) e, matéria mineral (MM). Foram estimados o extrativo não-nitrogenado (ENN), a energia metabolizável (EM) e a necessidade energética de manutenção. A composição da dieta do cachorro-do-mato apresentou 29 itens alimentares dos diferentes grupos taxonômicos, tendo uma maior diversidade de itens de origem animal (n=22), ainda que a maior FO tenha sido de gramíneas (Poaceae) (41.18%). Dentre os itens de origem animal, 21% eram mamíferos, 18% répteis, 10% anfíbios, 9% invertebrados e 3% aves. Determinou-se um alto teor de FB (62.76%). A média do ENN e da MS foi 5.91% e 141.82 kcal/100g, respectivamente. A média da energia de manutenção foi 447.01 kcal/dia. Estes achados sugerem que o cachorro-do-mato encontrado na Bacia Amazônica é um animal generalista com uma dieta onívora, se alimentando de gramíneas, frutos, insetos, serpentes, anfíbios, aves e pequenos mamíferos, portanto com o mesmo hábito alimentar relatado a esta espécie quando encontrada em outros biomas brasileiros.

Abstract The present study aimed to evaluate the diet of the free-living crab-eating fox by identifying the stomach contents of the 17 crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) roadkilled in two conservation units, both located in the Amazon rainforest. The food items were quantified by frequency of occurrence (FO) and percentage of occurrence (PO). The stomach contents were analysed for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude fibre (CF), ether extract (EE), and mineral matter (MM). Nitrogen-free extractives (NFE), metabolisable energy (ME) values, as well as the energy need for maintenance were estimated. The composition of the diet for the crab-eating fox presented 29 food items from the different taxonomic groups, with a greater diversity of items of animal origin (n=22), although the highest frequency of occurrence was gramineae (Poaceae) (41.18%). Among the items of animal origin, 21% were mammals, 18% reptiles, 10% amphibians, 9% invertebrates and 3% birds. A high content of CF (62.76%) were determined. Nitrogen-free extractive and dry matter averages were 5.91% and 141.82 kcal/100g, respectively. The average maintenance energy was 447.01 kcal/day. These findings suggesting that the crab-eating foxes have a generalist diet with an omnivorous diet in the Amazon basin, feeding on gramineae, fruits, insects, snakes, amphibians, birds and small mammals and have the same feeding habit that present in other Brazilian biomes.

Resumo Os mamíferos têm uma capacidade limitada de regenerar seus tecidos e órgãos. Um dos mecanismos associados à regeneração natural é a desdiferenciação. Várias moléculas pequenas, como vitamina C e fatores de crescimento, podem melhorar a eficiência da reprogramação. Neste estudo, as células NTERA2-D1 (NT2) foram induzidas à diferenciação (NT2-RA) com ácido retinóico (RA) 10-5 M por três dias e depois submetidas a várias quantidades de humor vítreo (VH). Os resultados mostram que a taxa de crescimento dessas células foi reduzida, enquanto essa taxa foi parcialmente restaurada após o tratamento com VH (NT2-RA-VH). A análise do ciclo celular com o método PI também mostrou que o número de células na fase S do ciclo celular nessas células estava aumentado. Os níveis de antígenos SSEA3 e TRA-1-81 em NT2-RA diminuíram, mas aumentaram em NT2-RA-VH a um nível semelhante ao das células NT2. O nível de SSEA1 teve um padrão oposto. A expressão do gene OCT4 diminuiu após o tratamento com AR, mas foi recuperado em células NT2-RA-VH. Em conclusão, sugerimos o VH como uma mistura potente para melhorar a reprogramação celular levando à desdiferenciação.

Abstract Mammals have a limited capacity to regenerate their tissues and organs. One of the mechanisms associated with natural regeneration is dedifferentiation. Several small molecules such as vitamin C and growth factors could improve reprogramming efficiency. In this study, the NTERA2-D1 (NT2) cells were induced towards differentiation (NT2-RA) with 10-5 M retinoic acid (RA) for three days and then subjected to various amounts of vitreous humor (VH). Results show that the growth rate of these cells was reduced, while this rate was partly restored upon treatment with VH (NT2-RA-VH). Cell cycle analysis with PI method also showed that the numbers of cells at the S phase of the cell cycle in these cells were increased. The levels of SSEA3 and TRA-1-81 antigens in NT2-RA were dropped but they increased in NT2- RA-VH to a level similar to the NT2 cells. The level of SSEA1 had an opposite pattern. Expression of OCT4 gene dropped after RA treatment, but it was recovered in NT2-RA-VH cells. In conclusion, we suggest VH as a potent mixture for improving the cellular reprogramming leading to dedifferentiation.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Bats are the only flight mammals, with around 1,400 species playing critical roles as pest controllers and nocturnal plant pollinators. However, its impact on human health has become increasingly evident, especially after the appearance of epidemic outbreaks of viral diseases related to these mammals. Objetive: To analyze the influence of bats on human health, focusing on their role as carriers of viral diseases and their potential as reservoirs and vectors of diseases. Methods: A literature bibliographical review was conducted using MeSH descriptors and keywords such as: Animals, Wild Chiroptera, Virus Diseases, Zoonosis, Disease Vectors, Disease Reservoirs, Public Health, bats, Communicable Disease Control, Disease Outbreaks, Prevention and Control. 1442 articles in databases and official documents were reviewed, selecting the relevant sources with Mendeley Desktop 1.19.4., obtaining 47 articles at the end. Results: There are several species of bats that can affect human health and that mainly harbor viruses from the Filoviridae families, Coronaviridae and Paramyxoviridae. Bats are considered optimal incubators for the spread of the virus due to their unique immune system that makes them particularly resistant to these infectious agents. Conclusions: Surveillance and monitoring of bats, together with public education actions and proper management of their habitats, are essential for early detection and prevention of transmission of new viruses from these mammals to humans.

RESUMEN Introducción: Los murciélagos se destacan por ser los únicos mamíferos voladores, con alrededor de 1 400 especies que cumplen un rol fundamental como controladores de plagas y polinizadores de plantas nocturnas. Sin embargo, su influencia sobre la salud humana se ha evidenciado cada vez más, en particular después del surgimiento de brotes epidémicos de enfermedades virales asociadas a estos mamíferos. Objetivo: Analizar la influencia de los murciélagos en la salud humana, centrándose en su papel como portadores de enfermedades virales y su potencial como reservorios y vectores de enfermedades. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica de la literatura utilizando descriptores MeSH y términos como: Animals, Wild Chiroptera, Virus Diseases, Zoonoses, Disease Vectors, Disease Reservoirs, Public Health, bats, Communicable Disease Control, Disease Outbreaks, Prevention and Control. Se revisaron 1 442 artículos en bases de datos y documentos oficiales, se seleccionaron las fuentes relevantes con Mendeley Desktop 1.19.4. y se obtuvieron al final 47 artículos. Resultados: Existen varias especies de murciélagos que pueden afectar la salud del ser humano y que albergan en especial virus de las familias Filoviridae, Coronaviridae y Paramixoviridae. Los murciélagos se consideran incubadoras óptimas para la propagación de virus debido a su sistema inmune único que lo hace resistente a estos agentes infecciosos. Conclusiones: La vigilancia y monitoreo de los murciélagos, junto con acciones de educación pública y una gestión adecuada de sus hábitats, son fundamentales para la detección temprana y prevención de la transmisión de nuevos virus de estos mamíferos a los humanos.

Resumen Se analizó la dieta de gatos (Felis silvestris catus) y perros (Canis lupus familiaris) errantes de la Reserva Ecológica del Pedregal de San Ángel (REPSA), Ciudad Universitaria, UNAM, Ciudad de México. Se examinaron 12 muestras de gatos y 55 de perros obtenidas mediante el Programa de Remediación de Fauna Feral, Secretaría Ejecutiva de la REPSA. La determinación de las especies consumidas se realizó comparando el material con ejemplares depositados en colecciones científicas; adicionalmente para mamíferos, se utilizaron patrones morfológicos de la cutícula y médula del pelo. El análisis mostró que la dieta de gatos y perros está compuesta, principalmente, de mamíferos medianos (Bassariscus astutus, Didelphis virginiana, Otospermophilus variegatus, Spilogale angustifrons y Sylvilagus floridanus) y pequeños (Mus musculus, Neotoma mexicana, Peromyscus gratus, Rattus norvegicus, Reithrodontomys fulvescens y Sorex saussurei), en menor proporción de reptiles e insectos, y material alimenticio de consumo humano. Los mamíferos nativos son más consumidos que los introducidos y que la dieta de gatos y perros incluye especies endémicas de México (S. saussurei, P. gratus y Peromyscus melanophrys) o en alguna categoría de riesgo (S. saussurei y la lagartija Sceloporus grammicus). Estos resultados proveen información para justificar y desarrollar alternativas de conservación en reservas ecológicas urbanas.

Abstract Diet analysis was performed on free ranging cats (Felis silvestris catus) and dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) from Reserva Ecológica del Pedregal de San Ángel (REPSA), Ciudad Universitaria, UNAM, Mexico City. Twelve samples of cats and 55 of dogs were analyzed as part of the Wildlife Remediation Program of the REPSA’s Executive Secretariat. The determination of consumed species was made by comparing the obtained remains with specimens deposited in scientific collections; additionally, for mammals, morphological scales patterns and hair marrow were examined. Our results showed that the diet of cats and dogs is mainly composed of medium-size mammals (Bassariscus astutus, Didelphis virginiana, Otospermophilus variegatus, Spilogale angustifrons, and Sylvilagus floridanus) and small mammals (Mus musculus, Neotoma mexicana, Peromyscus gratus, Rattus norvegicus, Reithrodontomys fulvescens, and Sorex saussurei), with a smaller proportion of reptiles and insects and food material for human consumption. The native mammals are consumed more than introduced mammals, and that diet of cats and dogs includes species endemic to Mexico (S. saussurei, P. gratus, and Peromyscus melanophrys) or in any risk category (S. saussurei and the lizard Sceloporus grammicus). These results provide information for justify and developing conservation alternatives in urban ecological reserves.