Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by extracellular accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides in the brain. This study demonstrates the direct association of the disposable pipette extraction (DPX) with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) for the analysis of Aβ peptides in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples. Different parameters were optimized in order to improve detectability in the MS/MS including mobile phase percentage of ammonium hydroxide, mobile phase flow rate and acquisition mode. Also, this method used an electrospray ionization (ESI) low-flow probe and direct infusion of an organic solution in the MS/MS. The DPX-MS/MS method showed adequate linearity for determining Aβ peptides in CSF-linearity ranged from 0.1 to 1.5 ng mL 1. The coefficients of determination were higher than 0.99; the precision coefficient of variation (CV) ranged from 0.3 to 12.7%; and the accuracy relative standard deviation (RSD) ranged from -13.6 to 13.2%. Alzheimers Alzheimer s AD (AD amyloidβ amyloid β (Aβ brain DPX (DPX MSMS MS (MS/MS CSF (CSF samples hydroxide mode Also ESI (ESI lowflow low DPXMS/MS DPXMSMS CSFlinearity 01 0 1 0. 15 5 0.99 099 99 CV (CV 03 3 12.7% 127 12 7 RSD (RSD 13.6 136 13 6 -13. 132 2 13.2% DPXMS 0.9 09 9 12.7 13. -13 13.2 12. -1 -

This study expands and shows the versatility of applications in hydrophilic interaction chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (HILIC-MS/MS) using a FRULIC-N column to determine 31 phenolic compounds in beverage industry residues (coffee, apple juice, beer, and wine). Optimization, via Doehlert design, determined the acetonitrile proportion (50-90%) and pH (3.0-7.0) in the mobile phase (MP). A 22 factorial design assessed the concentration of ammonium acetate (10-110 mmol L-1) in the MP and column temperature (20-60 °C). Injection volume (5-45 µL) was univariately optimized. Separations at 60 °C reduced chromatographic run time to less than 11 min. Gradient elution (500 µL min-1) employed an MP comprising acetonitrile and ammonium acetate (110 mmol L-1, pH 7). Validation demonstrated average coefficient of determination (R2) 0.9707, limit of detection 0.001-0.503 mg L-1 and quantification 0.004-1.524 mg L-1, precision < 12.2%, recovery 92.4-110.8%. The method was applied to five residues, indicating its viability for determining phenolics in beverage production residues. HILICMS/MS HILICMSMS HILIC MS/MS MS (HILIC-MS/MS FRULICN FRULIC N 3 coffee, coffee (coffee juice beer wine. wine . wine) Optimization 5090% 5090 50 90% 90 (50-90% 3.07.0 3070 3.0 7.0 0 7 (3.0-7.0 MP. (MP) 2 10110 10 110 (10-11 L1 L 1 2060 20 (20-6 °C. C °C) 545 5 45 (5-4 optimized 6 min 500 (50 min1 min-1 (11 L1, 1, 7. 7) R2 R (R2 09707 9707 0.9707 0.0010.503 00010503 0.001 0.503 001 503 0.001-0.50 L- 0.0041.524 00041524 0.004 1.524 004 524 0.004-1.52 122 12 12.2% 92.4110.8%. 9241108 92.4 110.8%. 92 4 8 92.4-110.8% HILICMS MSMS 509 9 (50-90 07 3.07. 307 30 3. 70 (3.0-7. (MP 1011 (10-1 206 (20- 54 (5- (5 min- (1 (R 0970 970 0.970 0010 0.0010.50 0001050 0001 0.00 0503 0.50 00 0.001-0.5 0041 0.0041.52 0004152 0004 1524 1.52 52 0.004-1.5 12.2 4110 92.4110.8% 924110 924 92. 1108 110.8% 92.4-110.8 (50-9 3.07 (3.0-7 101 (10- (20 ( 097 97 0.97 0.0010.5 000105 000 0.0 050 0.5 0.001-0. 0.0041.5 000415 152 1.5 0.004-1. 12. 411 92.4110.8 92411 110.8 92.4-110. (50- (3.0- (10 (2 09 0.9 0.0010. 00010 0. 05 0.001-0 0.0041. 00041 15 1. 0.004-1 41 92.4110. 9241 110. 92.4-110 (3.0 0.0010 0.001- 0.0041 0.004- 92.4110 92.4-11 (3. 92.411 92.4-1 (3 92.41 92.4-

ABSTRACT The introduction of 2,4-D-tolerant soybeans (ENLIST®) offers a new potential for herbicide application. Therefore, the present study aimed to (a) evaluate the effect of combinations of post-emergent herbicides on the control of Conyza spp. and (b) assess the selectivity of the post-emergent herbicide association in soybeans, ensuring effective application without compromising the health of the crop. A field experiment with 2,4-D-tolerant soybeans utilized a randomized complete block design with 14 treatments across four replications. Treatments included various combinations of 2,4-D with glyphosate, chlorimuron-ethyl, cloransulam-methyl, imazethapyr, bentazon, and imazamox. These were applied either as a single treatment or sequentially 15 days after treatment (DAT) using glufosinate-ammonium alongside two controls without herbicide application. The results showed less than 15% control across all treatments. At 21 DAT, only the treatments applied sequentially showed significant control, with effectiveness exceeding 80% against Conyza spp. In contrast, the single applications of the herbicide combinations with 2,4-D were ineffective for post-emergence control of Conyza spp. 2,4Dtolerant 24Dtolerant Dtolerant 2,4 D tolerant 2 4 ENLIST® ENLIST (ENLIST® Therefore (a postemergent post emergent spp b (b crop 1 replications 2,4D 24D glyphosate chlorimuronethyl, chlorimuronethyl chlorimuron ethyl, ethyl chlorimuron-ethyl cloransulammethyl, cloransulammethyl cloransulam methyl, methyl cloransulam-methyl imazethapyr bentazon imazamox DAT (DAT glufosinateammonium glufosinate ammonium 80 contrast postemergence emergence 4Dtolerant 24 2, (ENLIST 4D 8

RESUMO A introdução da soja tolerante a 2,4-D (ENLIST®) oferece um novo potencial para a aplicação de herbicidas. Dessa forma, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo: (a) avaliar o efeito das combinações de herbicidas pós-emergentes no controle de Conyza spp., e (b) a seletividade da associação de herbicidas pós-emergentes em soja, garantindo uma aplicação eficaz sem comprometer a saúde da cultura. Um experimento de campo com soja tolerante ao 2,4-D utilizou um delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados, com 14 tratamentos em quatro repetições. Os tratamentos incluíram várias combinações de 2,4-D com glifosato, chlorimuron, cloransulam, imazethapyr, bentazona e imazamox. Estes foram aplicados como um único tratamento ou sequencialmente 15 dias após o tratamento (DAT) usando glufosinato de amônio, juntamente com dois controles sem aplicação de herbicida. Os resultados mostraram menos de 15% de fitotoxicidade em todos os tratamentos. Aos 21 DAT, apenas os tratamentos aplicados sequencialmente mostraram controle significativo, com eficácia superior a 80% contra Conyza spp. Em contraste, as aplicações únicas das combinações de herbicidas com 2,4-D foram ineficazes para o controle pós-emergência de Conyza spp. 2,4D 24D D 2,4 2 4 ENLIST® ENLIST (ENLIST® forma objetivo (a pósemergentes pós emergentes spp b (b cultura casualizados 1 repetições glifosato chlorimuron cloransulam imazethapyr imazamox DAT (DAT amônio herbicida significativo 80 contraste pósemergência emergência 4D 24 2, (ENLIST 8

ABSTRACT Struvite (NH4MgPO4∙6H2O) is a slow-release fertilizer obtained through phosphorus and/or nitrogen recovery from wastewaters, usually by adding magnesium salts. In this sense, the aim was to evaluate the viability of replacing commercial magnesium sources with alternative ones in the struvite precipitation process regarding ammonium and phosphate removal and precipitated crystal quantification and characterization. Experiments were conducted on a bench scale in a completely randomized design at pH 9.5 by precipitation of synthetic wastewater solution with four magnesium sources: MgCl2∙6H2O, MgSO4∙7H2O, MgO, and magnesite (MgCO3). After pre-acidification, derived solutions from low-cost alternative sources of magnesium removed above 55 and 90% of ammonium nitrogen and phosphate in solution, respectively, and reached around 10 g L-1 of precipitated crystals. Results proximity obtained with solutions derived from commercial sources of magnesium (46ꟷ56% of ammonium nitrogen removal, 97% of phosphate removal, and more than 6 g L-1 of precipitate formed) indicated that alternative reagents could easily substitute commercial ones if submitted to the previous digestion process, making magnesium available in solution. Qualitative analysis by X-ray diffraction confirmed the presence of both struvite and newberyite in most precipitates. NH4MgPO4∙6H2O NH4MgPO46H2O NHMgPOHO NH4MgPO4 6H2O NH MgPO H O (NH4MgPO4∙6H2O slowrelease slow release andor or wastewaters salts sense characterization 95 9 5 9. MgCl26H2O MgClHO MgCl2 MgCl MgCl2∙6H2O MgSO47H2O MgSOHO MgSO4 7H2O MgSO MgSO4∙7H2O MgO MgCO3. MgCO3 MgCO . (MgCO3) preacidification, preacidification pre acidification, acidification pre-acidification lowcost low cost 90 respectively 1 L1 L L- crystals 46ꟷ56% 46ꟷ56 ꟷ (46ꟷ56 97 formed Xray X ray precipitates NHMgPO NH4MgPO HO (MgCO3 46ꟷ5 (46ꟷ5 (MgCO 46ꟷ (46ꟷ

RESUMO A estruvita (NH4MgPO4∙6H2O) é um fertilizante de liberação lenta obtido através da recuperação de fósforo e/ou nitrogênio de águas residuais geralmente pela adição de sais de magnésio. Neste sentido, objetivou-se avaliar a viabilidade da substituição de fontes comerciais de magnésio por fontes alternativas no processo de precipitação de estruvita, em termos de remoção de amônio e fosfato, e quantificação e caracterização do cristal precipitado. Os experimentos foram conduzidos em escala de bancada sob delineamento inteiramente casualizado a pH 9,5 através da precipitação de uma solução de efluente sintético com quatro diferentes fontes de magnésio: MgCl2∙6H2O, MgSO4∙7H2O, MgO e magnesita (MgCO3). Após pré-acidificação, soluções derivadas de fontes alternativas de baixo custo de magnésio removeram acima de 55 e 90% de nitrogênio amoniacal e fosfato em solução, respectivamente, e alcançaram por volta de 10 g L-1 de cristais precipitados. A proximidade dos resultados obtidos com soluções derivadas de fontes comerciais de magnésio (46ꟷ56% de remoção de nitrogênio amoniacal, 97% de remoção de fosfato, e mais de 6 g L-1 de precipitado formado) indicou que reagentes alternativos puderam facilmente substituir os comerciais se submetidos ao prévio processo de digestão, a fim de tornar o magnésio disponível em solução. A análise qualitativa por difratometria de raios-X confirmou a presença de estruvita e newberyita na maioria dos precipitados. NH4MgPO4∙6H2O NH4MgPO46H2O NHMgPOHO NH4MgPO4 6H2O NH MgPO H O (NH4MgPO4∙6H2O eou ou sentido objetivouse objetivou 95 9 5 9, MgCl26H2O MgClHO MgCl2 MgCl MgCl2∙6H2O MgSO47H2O MgSOHO MgSO4 7H2O MgSO MgSO4∙7H2O MgCO3. MgCO3 MgCO . (MgCO3) préacidificação, préacidificação pré acidificação, acidificação pré-acidificação 90 respectivamente 1 L1 L L- precipitados 46ꟷ56% 46ꟷ56 ꟷ (46ꟷ56 97 formado digestão raiosX raios X NHMgPO NH4MgPO HO (MgCO3 46ꟷ5 (46ꟷ5 (MgCO 46ꟷ (46ꟷ

Abstract Introduction. Cocoa cultivation in tropical areas is a commercially viable agroecological alternative that allows for productive diversification and sustainable soil management through the use of organic fertilization. Objective. To evaluate the development of four cocoa varieties (INIFAP 4, INIFAP 8, INIFAP 9, and Almendra Blanca) under the climatic conditions of the Úrsulo Galván region, Veracruz, Mexico. Materials and methods. An experiment was conducted between winter (December 2021) and summer (June 2022), using a completely randomized design with four treatments and ten replications. Conventional agronomic management was employed, with the addition of 10 kg of compost per tree, followed by 3 kg of vermicompost. At four months into the study, 50 g of urea, 50 g of ammonium diphosphate, and 50 g of potassium chloride were incorporated. The study included analysis of variance and Tukey’s tests (α 0.05). Results. Statistical equality was found for height, diameter, and number of branches. The cocoa’s response to temperature, precipitation, relative humidity, and wind showed that these factors influenced the expression of its productive potential, as well as its morphology and yield, without adapting to the climatic conditions under study. Conclusion. The development of the studied varieties was homogeneous based on the climatic conditions of the Ursulo Galvan region, with the Almendra Blanca variety standing out.

Resumen Introducción. El cultivo del cacao en las zonas tropicales es una alternativa comercial de interés agroecológico, que permite la diversificación productiva y el manejo sustentable de los suelos al emplear abonado orgánico. Objetivo. Evaluar el desarrollo de cuatro variedades de cacao (INIFAP 4, INIFAP 8, INIFAP 9 y Almendra Blanca) en las condiciones climatológicas de la región de Úrsulo Galván, Veracruz, México. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un experimento, entre invierno (diciembre 2021) y verano (junio 2022), bajo un diseño completamente al azar, distribuido en cuatro tratamientos y diez repeticiones. El manejo agronómico fue convencional, se agregaron 10 kg de composta por árbol, seguidos de 3 kg de vermicompost. A los cuatro meses del estudio se incorporaron 50 g de urea, 50 g de difosfato de amonio y 50 g de cloruro de potasio. El estudio incluyó análisis de varianza y pruebas de Tukey (α 0,05). Resultados. Se encontró igualdad estadística para altura, diámetro y número de ramas. La respuesta del cacao a temperatura, precipitación, humedad relativa y viento, demostró que afectaron la expresión de su potencial productivo, así como su morfología y rendimiento, no adaptándose a las condiciones climáticas en estudio. Conclusión. El desarrollo de las variedades en estudio fue homogéneo, con base en las condiciones climatológicas de la región Úrsulo Galván, destacándose la variedad Almendra Blanca.

Abstract Introduction: Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv) is a severe autosomal dominant systemic disease. It affects the peripheral and autonomic nervous systems, heart, kidneys, and eyes. Amyloid deposition has been demonstrated in the glomerular and tubulointerstitial compartments of the kidney. Therefore, urinary acidification disorders such as renal tubular acidosis (RTA) may be early manifestations of renal involvement in this population. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of RTA in individuals with ATTRv. Methods: We included symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals with TTR mutation, older than 18 years, GFR >45 mL/min/1.73m2, without systemic metabolic acidosis. Urinary acidification protocol was performed with furosemide and fludrocortisone after 12 h of water deprivation (water deprivation test - WDT) and measurements of urine ammonium ( UNH 4 +) and titratable acidity (UTA). Proximal RTA (pRTA) was diagnosed when FEHCO3>10%. Incomplete form distal RTA (dRTA) was diagnosed if UpH>5.3. Results: We selected 49 individuals with a mean age of 40 (35.5–56.5) years, 63% of which were female, 84% were Caucasian, and mean GFR was 85.5 ± 20.5 mL/min/1.73m2. 94% had the genetic variant Val50Met and 57% were symptomatic. The prevalence of pRTA was 2% and of dRTA was 16.3%. In the subgroup with dRTA, there was no significant increase in excretion of UNH 4 + and UTA. We observed a good correlation between UpH by potentiometry and UpH dipstick. A UpH<5.5 on the dipstick had 100% sensitivity and negative predictive value to exclude dRTA. Conclusion: A high prevalence of RTA was found in individuals with TTR mutations. The UpH dipstick after WDT had good accuracy for screening for dRTA. Further studies are needed to evaluate the impact of early diagnosis and treatment of RTA in this population. Introduction ATTRv (ATTRv disease systems heart kidneys eyes kidney Therefore (RTA population Objective Methods mutation 1 years 45 >4 mLmin173m2 mLminm mL min 73m2 m mL/min/1.73m2 UTA . (UTA) (pRTA FEHCO310 FEHCO FEHCO3 10 FEHCO3>10% (dRTA UpH53 5 3 UpH>5.3 Results 35.5–56.5 355565 35 56 (35.5–56.5 63 female 84 Caucasian 855 85 85. 205 20 20. 94 ValMet Val Met 57 2 163 16 16.3% UpH55 UpH<5. 100 Conclusion mutations > mLmin mLmin173m 73m mL/min/1.73m (UTA FEHCO31 FEHCO3>10 UpH5 UpH>5. 35.5–56. 35556 (35.5–56. 6 8 9 16.3 UpH<5 FEHCO3>1 UpH>5 35.5–56 3555 (35.5–56 16. UpH< FEHCO3> UpH> 35.5–5 355 (35.5–5 35.5– (35.5– 35.5 (35.5 35. (35. (35 (3

Resumo Introdução: A amiloidose hereditária por transtirretina (ATTRv) é uma doença sistêmica autossômica dominante grave. Afeta os sistemas nervoso periférico e autônomo, coração, rins e olhos. A deposição de amiloide foi demonstrada nos compartimentos glomerular e tubulointersticial do rim. Portanto, distúrbios de acidificação urinária, como acidose tubular renal (ATR), podem ser manifestações precoces de envolvimento renal nessa população. Objetivo: Avaliar a prevalência de ATR em indivíduos com ATTRv. Métodos: Incluímos indivíduos sintomáticos e assintomáticos com mutação na TTR, maiores de 18 anos, TFG >45 mL/min/1,73m2, sem acidose metabólica sistêmica. Realizou-se protocolo de acidificação urinária com furosemida e fludrocortisona após 12 horas de privação hídrica (teste de restrição hídrica - TRH) e medições de amônia urinária ( uNH 4 +) e acidez titulável (uTA) na urina. ATR proximal (ATRp) foi diagnosticada quando FEHCO3>10%. ATR distal (ATRd) de forma incompleta foi diagnosticada se pHu>5,3. Resultados: Selecionamos 49 indivíduos com idade média de 40 (35,5–56,5) anos, 63% mulheres, 84% caucasianos e TFG média de 85,5 ± 20,5 mL/min/1,73m2. 94% apresentaram a variante genética Val50Met; 57% eram sintomáticos. A prevalência de ATRp foi 2% e a de ATRd foi 16,3%. No subgrupo com ATRd, não houve aumento significativo na excreção de uNH 4 + e uTA. Observamos uma boa correlação entre pHU por potenciometria e pHU por fita reagente. Um pHU<5,5 na fita reagente apresentou 100% de sensibilidade e valor preditivo negativo para excluir a ATRd. ConclusÃO: Uma alta prevalência de ATR foi encontrada em indivíduos com mutações na TTR. O pHU por fita reagente após TRH teve boa precisão para triagem de ATRd. São necessários mais estudos para avaliar o impacto do diagnóstico e tratamento precoces da ATR nessa população. Introdução ATTRv (ATTRv grave autônomo coração olhos rim Portanto ATR, , (ATR) população Objetivo Métodos TTR 1 anos 45 >4 mLmin173m2 mLminm mL min 73m2 m mL/min/1,73m2 Realizouse Realizou teste uTA (uTA urina (ATRp FEHCO310 FEHCO FEHCO3 10 FEHCO3>10% (ATRd pHu53 pHu 5 3 pHu>5,3 Resultados 35,5–56,5 355565 35 56 (35,5–56,5 63 mulheres 84 855 85 85, 205 20 20, 94 Val50Met ValMet Val Met 57 2 163 16 16,3% pHU55 pHU<5, 100 ConclusÃO (ATR > mLmin mLmin173m 73m mL/min/1,73m FEHCO31 FEHCO3>10 pHu5 pHu>5, 35,5–56, 35556 (35,5–56, 6 8 9 16,3 pHU5 pHU<5 FEHCO3>1 pHu>5 35,5–56 3555 (35,5–56 16, pHU< FEHCO3> pHu> 35,5–5 355 (35,5–5 35,5– (35,5– 35,5 (35,5 35, (35, (35 (3

RESUMEN Introducción: El número de generadores de vapor que combustionan biomasa para la producción de vapor crece constantemente. Uno de los problemas que enfrentan los mismos es la corrosión severa, consecuencia del contenido de cloruros alcalinos y otras especies corrosivas que estos biocombustibles contienen. Objetivo: Realizar revisión bibliográfica sobre el uso de aditivos para disminuir los efectos de la presencia de los cloruros alcalinos en los biocombustibles utilizados en los generadores de vapor. Materiales y Métodos: Se consultaron referencias desde el año 1998 hasta el 2023 relacionadas con las principales alternativas para la mitigación de los efectos de la corrosión, provocada por la presencia en la biomasa (utilizada en la combustión para la generación eléctrica) de una elevada concentración de cloruros alcalinos, profundizándose en el uso de diferentes tipos de aditivos o mezclas de ellos. Resultados y Discusión: Varios de los métodos reportados tienen una efectividad de media a alta en la reducción de la corrosión y en la complejidad de su implementación. Los principales aditivos encontrados son sulfato de amonio, a base de aluminio y silicio, de calcio y de azufre. El mejor balance efectividad-complejidad corresponde al empleo del caolín. Conclusiones: Los cloruros alcalinos aumentan la velocidad de corrosión de los materiales utilizados en los sobrecalentadores de vapor. Las reacciones entre la superficie metálica y estas especies, u otras que contienen álcalis deben evitarse para disminuir la corrosión en ellos, para lo cual se pueden usar aditivos capaces de secuestrar los álcalis de la biomasa, formando compuestos menos agresivos.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The number of steam generators that burn biomass for steam production is constantly growing. One of the problems they face is severe corrosion, a consequence of the content of alkali chlorides and other corrosive species that these biofuels contain. Objective: To carry out a bibliographic review on the use of additives to reduce the effects of the presence of alkali chlorides in biofuels used in steam generators. Materials and Methods: References were consulted from 1998 to 2023 related to the main alternatives for the mitigation of the effects of corrosion, caused by the presence in biomass (used in combustion for electricity generation) of a high concentration of alkaline chlorides, going deeper into the use of different types of additives or mixtures of them. Results and Discussion: Several of the reported methods have medium to high effectiveness in reducing corrosion and the complexity of their implementation. The main additives found are ammonium sulfate, based on aluminum and silicon, calcium and sulfur. The best effectiveness-complexity balance corresponds to the use of kaolin. Conclusions: Alkali chlorides increase the corrosion rate of materials used in steam superheaters. Reactions between the metal surface and these species, or others that contain alkalis must be avoided to reduce corrosion in them, for which additives capable of sequestering alkalis from the biomass can be used, forming less aggressive compounds.

This study examined an alternative technique of extracting tungsten from wolframite ore using a fusion method with ammonium phosphate salt. Current techniques use alkali salts to decompose tungsten ores and use various purification methods to produce ammonium paratungstate, which is a key intermediate precursor in the extraction of tungsten. In this study, a two-step extraction process, which involves thermal decomposition of the ore using fusion and a separation stage, is examined. The novelty of this technique is the ability to completely decompose wolframite ore and form an unstable tungsten oxide phosphate (WO2(PO3)2) compound. The instability of WO2(PO3)2 in deionized water enables selective isolation of tungsten as insoluble precipitates of WO3 and WO2. The decomposition reaction of WO2(PO3)2 is influenced by the presence of oxygen and determined to be first order under ambient conditions. Scanning electron micrographs and X-ray diffraction analysis showed above 80% of the tungsten precipitated compared with the amount that remained in the filtrate solution.

ABSTRACT Limited information exists regarding the impact of planting density on soil fertility, plant productivity, and the phenolic content of calafate (Berberis microphylla G. Forst.) fruits. This study aimed to assess the effects of planting density on the soil, plants, and fruits in a calafate orchard. Four treatments were employed: High-density (HD; 6667 plants ha-1), traditional density (TD; 3333 plants ha-1), medium density (MD; 2222 plants ha-1), and low density (LD; 1667 plants ha-1). In the soil, TD exhibited a 28% increase in basal respiration compared with MD, and a 29% increase in urease compared with HD. Additionally, TD enhanced soil N availability by 57%, ammonium availability by 58%, and Mn availability by 33% compared to LD. Photosystem II experienced an increase with MD and LD (p > 0.05), surpassing TD and HD by 3%. The LD significantly outperformed the other treatments in terms of yield per plant, reaching up to 873 g. Conversely, despite its lower yield per plant, HD produced larger and heavier fruits, albeit at the expense of phenolic content. However, HD and MD, averaging 2.1 t ha-1, generated more fruit per unit area than LD and TD did. Notably, planting density did not affect the fruit antioxidant capacity. These findings suggest that TD planting density in calafate preserves the biological and chemical functions of the soil, while maintaining the antioxidant capacity of calafate fruit.

ABSTRACT Sugarcane-duck symbiosis (SDS) is an ecological breeding production method wherein meat ducks are released in sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) fields during the middle and late stages of sugarcane growth. The effects of SDS on sugarcane rhizobacterial diversity remain poorly understood. We conducted field experiments with sugarcane monoculture (SC) and SDS and performed genetic analyses on the rhizobacterial communities based on 16S rRNA across different growth stages of sugarcane. The effects of soil physicochemical factors on the bacterial community structure were analyzed via redundancy analysis. We found that soil organic matter (SOM), total N (TN), nitrate N (NN), and ammonium N (AN) contents of sugarcane rhizosphere soils increased during different growth periods in SDS. During the perennial root stages, the Shannon-, Ace-, and Chao1 indices increased, whereas the available P (AP) content decreased. The soil pH was more balanced and its effect on the soil bacterial community was insignificant. The dominant sugarcane rhizosphere flora were Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi, Acidobacteria, Firmicutes, norank_f__norank_o__Gaiellales, Sphingomonas, norank_f__Roseiflexaceae, Bacillus, and norank_f__Xanthobacteraceae, but with significant inter-annual variations. Redundancy analysis showed that SOM, TN, NN, AN, AP, catalase (CAT) and invertase (INV) activity were closely associated with the diversity of the soil bacterial communities, and TN and INV activity were the main drivers of sugarcane rhizobacterial communities in the SDS groups. In conclusion, SDS improves the fertilizer supply capacity and soil quality of sugarcane soils by regulating major soil nutrient content, available nutrients, and microbial diversity. This study provides a theoretical basis for scientifically managing SDS and the screening of biocontrol bacteria.

Abstract In Ecuador, Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining, MAPE, is an activity of national relevance. Historically there are three provinces with great potential and mining tradition, which are: El Oro, Zamora Chinchipe and Azuay. In this sense, in the province of El Oro, a large percentage of the economically active population depends directly or indirectly on the exploitation of highly profitable minerals. The key aspects for the development of underground operations of the MAPE regime are the drilling and blasting activities, where there is a great opportunity for improvement, efficiently managing the design of the grid, the execution of the drilling, the amount of explosive and the way it is charged, which are the factors that define the result of the blasting; same that is valued in function of the depth of cut or advance and of the uniformity of the structure of the section. For the development of this research, the baseline survey was carried out through technical visits to the study sector (Zaruma - Portovelo mining district), where traditional work procedures were observed, and then, based on the experimental method, technical variations were made in regarding the firing diagram, specific charge, specific perforation and type of explosive. These traditional (empirical) procedures, based on the driller's field experience, cause, among other things, the inefficiency of the advance, problems to maintain the dimensions of the section, over breaking of the working fronts, and one of the most relevant factors, the insecurity of the personnel who in many cases remain inside the mine for more than 10 hours.The main results show that the best tests were those that used the emulsion/ANFO (Amonium Nitrate Fuel Oil) combination, obtaining an advance percentage of approximately 95%, considered optimal within the operation. It was also evidenced that the Ammonium Nitrate commonly used in ASM needs a specific charge of greater power to meet the objective of the blasting.

Resumen En Ecuador, la Minería Artesanal y de Pequeña Escala, MAPE, es una actividad de relevancia nacional. Históricamente existen tres provincias de amplio potencial y de tradición minera, que son: El Oro, Zamora Chinchipe y Azuay. En este sentido, en la provincia de El Oro, gran porcentaje de la población económicamente activa, depende directa o indirectamente de la explotación de minerales de alta rentabilidad. Uno de los aspectos clave para el desarrollo de las operaciones subterráneas del régimen MAPE, son las actividades de perforación y voladura, en donde existe una gran oportunidad de mejora, gestionando de manera eficiente el diseño de la malla, la ejecución de la perforación, la cantidad de explosivo y la forma de cargado, que son los factores que definen el resultado de la voladura; mismo que es valorado en función de la profundidad de corte o avance y de la uniformidad de la estructura de la sección. Para el desarrollo de esta investigación se realizó el levantamiento de la línea base mediante visitas técnicas al sector de estudio (distrito minero Zaruma - Portovelo), donde se observaron los procedimientos tradicionales de trabajo, para luego, con base al método experimental realizar variaciones técnicas en cuanto al diagrama de disparo, carga específica, perforación específica y tipo de explosivo. Estos procedimientos tradicionales (empíricos), basados en la experiencia de campo del perforista, ocasiona entre otras cosas la ineficiencia del avance, problemas para mantener las dimensiones de la sección, sobre rotura de los frentes de trabajo, y uno de los factores más relevantes, la inseguridad del personal que en muchos casos permanece en el interior de la mina por más de 10 horas. Entre los principales resultados se obtuvo que los mejores ensayos fueron los que se utilizó la combinación emulsión/ANFO (Amonium Nitrate Fuel Oil), obteniendo un porcentaje de avance de aproximadamente 95%, considerado dentro de la operación como óptimo. Así también se evidenció que el Nitrato de Amonio de uso habitual en la MAPE, necesita una carga específica de mayor poder para cumplir con el objetivo de la voladura.

Abstract The present article analyzes the relationship between Explosive Detonation Velocity (VOD), vibration, and noise generated in 16 drilling and blasting tests in two arched horizontal galleries located at different altitudes with respect to the city of Zaruma, which is situated at an altitude of 1,194 meters above sea level. Nine tests were conducted in the working face called "Apófisis," located at an altitude of 1,155 meters above sea level and 1,650 meters horizontally from the center of Zaruma. The following seven tests were carried out in the "Matamoros" face, located at an altitude of 1,116 meters above sea level and 1,389 meters horizontally from the center of Zaruma. In the "Apófisis" face, two explosive initiation systems were used: the conventional system with detonators and slow fuse, and the assembled system with quick ignition fuse, connectors, slow fuse, and detonators. The same two explosive initiation systems were also used in the "Matamoros" face. The drilled holes had a diameter of 38 mm and depths of 1.10 m and 1.50 m, aiming to maintain the horizontal shape of the gallery and parallelism between each hole (with some cases having angles of deviation ranging from 23 to 26 degrees). Both ANFO and Agricultural Ammonium Nitrate explosives were used, placed under compressed air pressure using a "gun" type pneumatic loader. The recorded data includes a minimum VOD of 3,950 m/s, a maximum VOD of 5,310 m/s, a minimum resultant vibration of 2.17 mm/s, a maximum resultant vibration of 11.5 mm/s, and minimum noise levels of 164 dB up to a maximum of 195 dB. These vibration and noise levels were compared with the current national regulations in Ecuador and international regulations in the United States. The analysis indicates that the influence of the blast in terms of VOD, vibration, and noise is within a range of 60 m to 80 m around the explosion, which does not affect the nearest infrastructure related to mining operations (offices and camps) and does not propagate to the city of Zaruma. It is important to highlight that tests using ANFO as a bottom and column charge showed lower vibrations, lower detonation velocity (VOD), and lower noise compared to the use of emulsions and agricultural ammonium nitrate.

Resumen El presente artículo analiza la relación entre la Velocidad de Detonación del Explosivo (VOD), la vibración y el ruido generados en 16 ensayos de perforación y voladura en dos galerías horizontales abovedadas ubicadas a diferentes altitudes con respecto a la ciudad de Zaruma, que se encuentra a una altitud de 1.194 m.s.n.m. Se realizaron 9 ensayos en el Frente de trabajo denominado "Apófisis", ubicado a una altitud de 1.155 m.s.n.m. y a una distancia horizontal de 1.650 m. del centro de la ciudad de Zaruma. Los siguientes 7 ensayos se llevaron a cabo en el Frente "Matamoros", ubicado a una altitud de 1.116 m.s.n.m. y a una distancia horizontal de 1.389 m. del centro de la ciudad de Zaruma. En el Frente "Apófisis", se utilizaron dos sistemas de iniciación de explosivos: el convencional, con fulminante y mecha lenta, y el ensamblado, con mecha rápida de ignición, conectores, mecha lenta y fulminantes. En el Frente "Matamoros", también se utilizaron estos dos sistemas de iniciación de explosivos. Los barrenos perforados tenían un diámetro de 38 mm y profundidades de 1.10 m. y 1.50 m. Se utilizaron tanto ANFO como Nitrato de Amonio Agrícola como explosivos, colocados bajo presión de aire comprimido utilizando un cargador neumático tipo "pistola". Los datos registrados incluyen una VOD mínima de 3.950 m/s hasta una VOD máxima de 5.310 m/s, una vibración resultante mínima de 2,17 mm/s y una vibración resultante máxima de 11,5 mm/s, y niveles de ruido mínimos de 164 dB hasta un máximo de 195 dB. Estos niveles de vibración y ruido se compararon con la normativa nacional vigente en Ecuador y la normativa internacional de Estados Unidos. El análisis indica que la influencia de la explosión de las voladuras en términos de VOD, vibración y ruido se encuentra en un rango de 60 m. a 80 m. alrededor de la explosión, lo que no afecta a la infraestructura más cercana propia de la labor minera y no se propaga hasta llegar a la ciudad de Zaruma. Es importante destacar que los ensayos con ANFO como carga de fondo y de columna presentaron menores vibraciones, menor velocidad de detonación (VOD) y menor ruido en comparación con el uso de Emulsiones y Nitrato de Amonio Agrícola.

RESUMEN La hidroponía es la tecnología de la agricultura sin suelo, en la que las plantas crecen en un medio acuático. Mientras que la acuaponía es un sistema de producción de alimentos en rápido crecimiento que integra la hidroponía con la acuicultura (cultivo de peces). El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la producción de acelga (Beta vulgaris var. Cicla L.) mediante un sistema hidropónico típico y un sistema acuapónico de producción de tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) en invernadero. Se utilizaron seis sistemas de recirculación independientes para comprobar la producción por triplicado. Un análisis de regresión lineal simple indicó que la tasa de producción de hojas difirió de forma significativa entre sistemas (p < 0.05), ya que en el hidropónico se obtuvieron 3.46 hojas semana-1, mientras que en el acuapónico fue de 1.53 hojas semana-1. La biomasa vegetal aumentó 53.91 g semana-1 en el tratamiento hidropónico y 38.24 g semana-1 en el acuapónico, aunque dichas tasas de producción no difirieron significativamente (p>0.05). No se detectaron diferencias significativas en las concentraciones de amonio (NH4 +), nitrito (NO2 -), y fosfato (PO4 +) en ambos tratamientos; pero se encontraron diferencias significativas para nitratos (NO3 -) entre sistemas (p < 0.05). La producción de acelgas en el sistema hidropónico fue mayor que en el sistema acuapónico en cuanto al número de hojas y la biomasa.

ABSTRACT Hydroponics is the technology of soil-less agriculture, in which plants are grown in an aquatic environment. While aquaponics is a fast-growing food production system that integrates hydroponics with aquaculture (fish farming). The objective of this study was to compare the production of chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla L.) using a typical hydroponic system and an aquaponic system for tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) production in a greenhouse. Six independent recirculation systems were used to test production by triplicate. Simple linear regression analysis showed that leaf production rate differed significantly between systems (p < 0.05), where the hydroponic trial produced 3.46 leaves week-1 and the aquaponic trial 1.53 leaves week-1. Plant biomass increased by 53.91 g week-1 in the hydroponic and 38.24 g week-1 in the aquaponic treatment, although these production rates did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). No significant differences were detected in the concentrations of ammonium (NH4 +), nitrite (NO2 -), and phosphate (PO4 +) between the treatments; however, significant differences were found for nitrate (NO3 -) between the systems (p < 0.05). Chard production in the hydroponic system was higher than in the aquaponic system in terms of leaf number and biomass.

Resumen Introducción: La cistitis incrustada y la pielitis comparten muchas similitudes con respecto a etiología, patogénesis, diagnóstico y tratamiento. Estos procesos suelen ocurrir sobre un tejido urológico previamente lesionado con la participación de una infección por bacterias productoras de ureasa. En el momento actual, Corynebacterium urealyticum, una bacteria altamente resistente a los antibióticos parece ser el patógeno que más a menudo se ve involucrado en estos procesos. En esta revisión analizamos la historia de estas enfermedades remarcando los avances científicos del último siglo. También revisamos el papel de la ureasa y de la infección bacteriana, así como una breve actualización de los aspectos epidemiológicos, histopatológicos, diagnósticos y terapéuticos. Relevancia: Se desea remarcar la importancia y gravedad de estas patologías que son frecuentemente infradiagnosticadas y que son de difícil tratamiento. Conclusiones: La historia clínica, datos exploratorios y analíticos en donde destaca una orina alcalina, a veces con olor amoniacal, piuria, hematuria y presencia de cristales de fosfato amónico magnésico debe alertar al urólogo sobre la existencia de una uropatía incrustante. La radiología simple, ecografía, tomografía computarizada y la visualización endoscópica de las lesiones confirman el diagnóstico. El tratamiento generalmente precisa de cirugía, uso de antibióticos, acidificantes urinarios e inhibidores de la ureasa bacteriana.

Abstract Introduction: Encrusted cystitis and pyelitis share many similarities regarding etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment. These processes usually occur on previously injured urological tissue with the participation of an infection by urease-producing bacteria. At present Corynebacterium urealyticum, a highly antibiotic-resistant bacteria, appears to be the pathogen most often involved in these processes. In this review we analyze the history of these diseases with special emphasis on the scientific advances of the last century. We also review the role of urease and bacterial infection as well as a brief update on the epidemiological, histopathological, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects. Relevance: The importance and severity of these pathologies that are frequently underdiagnosed and difficult to treat are stressed. Conclusions: The clinical history, exploratory and analytical data, which highlight alkaline urine, sometimes with an ammoniacal odor, pyuria, hematuria and the presence of magnesium ammonium phosphate crystals, should alert the urologist to the existence of an encrusting uropathy. Simple radiology, ultrasound, computed tomography and endoscopic visualization of the lesions confirm the diagnosis. Treatment generally requires surgery, use of antibiotics, urinary acidifiers and bacterial urease inhibitors.

Resumen: Debido al impacto del tizón tardío (TT), causado por Phytophthora infestans, en el tomate (Solanum lycopersicum L.) se realizó un estudio sobre la interacción de fungicidas con la enfermedad y su efecto en defensas vegetales. Se realizó un experimento bajo un diseño experimental completamente al azar, donde se aplicaron fosetil-Al y fluoxastrobina, fungicidas de doble acción, a tomates sanos e infectados. Se evaluó la severidad del TT semanalmente y se tomaron muestras de hojas para analizar la síntesis de compuestos fenólicos y la actividad de enzimas como fenilalanina amonio liasa (PAL), peroxidasas (POX) y superóxido dismutasa (SOD). A través del análisis de Kruskal-Wallis y la prueba de comparación post hoc de Bonferroni se estudiaron los efectos de la infección, el fungicida y el tiempo. Los resultados mostraron que los fungicidas no afectaron la actividad enzimática ni la acumulación de compuestos fenólicos. La actividad de PAL y SOD no varió significativamente con la infección, mientras que la de POX fue mayor en plantas sanas. Se observó una relación compleja entre la acumulación de fenólicos, la severidad del TT y el tiempo, destacando un incremento en los fenólicos a los 50 días, cuando la enfermedad alcanzaba una severidad del 25-50 %. Futuras investigaciones deberían incluir más genotipos y aislamientos de P. infestans, un rango más amplio de respuestas bioquímicas y evaluaciones de sobreexpresión genética relacionada con la defensa vegetal.

Resumo: Devido ao impacto da requeima, causado por Phytophthora infestans, no tomate (Solanum lycopersicum L.), foi realizado um estudo sobre a interação dos fungicidas com a doença e seu efeito nas defesas vegetais. Um experimento foi conduzido sob um desenho experimental completamente ao acaso, onde foram aplicados fosetil-Al e fluoxastrobina, fungicidas de dupla ação, em tomates saudáveis e infectados. A severidade darequeima foi avaliada semanalmente e amostras de folhas foram coletadas para analisar a síntese de compostos fenólicos e a atividade de enzimas como fenilalanina amônio liase (PAL), peroxidases (POX) e superóxido dismutase (SOD). Através da análise de Kruskal-Wallis e do teste de comparação post hoc de Bonferroni, os efeitos da infecção, do fungicida e do tempo foram estudados. Os resultados mostraram que os fungicidas não afetaram a atividade enzimática nem a acumulação de compostos fenólicos. A atividade de PAL e SOD não variou significativamente com a infecção, enquanto a de POX foi maior em plantas saudáveis. Observou-se uma relação complexa entre a acumulação de fenólicos, a severidade da requeima e o tempo, destacando um aumento nos fenólicos aos 50 dias, quando a doença alcançava uma severidade de 25-50%. Futuras pesquisas deveriam incluir mais genótipos e isolados de P. infestans, uma gama mais ampla de respostas bioquímicas e avaliações de sobreexpressão genética relacionada à defesa vegetal.

Abstract: Due to the significant impact of late blight (LB) (Phytophthora infestans (Mont.)) on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), we investigated the interaction between fungicides and this disease to understand how some plant defense mechanisms are affected over time. Following a randomized design, we evaluated the synthesis of phenolic compounds (PHE) and the activity of phenylalanine ammonium lyase (PAL), peroxidases (POX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The experiment involved the application of fosetyl-Al and fluoxastrobin (fungicides with dual modes of action) on healthy and infected tomato plants. LB severity was assessed weekly and leaf samples were collected at various intervals for biochemical analysis. The Kruskal-Wallis test (α = 0.05) analyzed main effects of infection, fungicide, and time on response variables, followed by Bonferroni post hoc for significant group differences and regression models to evaluate variable effects over time. The application of fungicides had no effect on enzymatic activity or PHE accumulation. While PAL and SOD activities were not significantly affected by infection, POX activity was significantly higher in healthy plants (4793.8 U g-1 fresh weight) compared to infected plants (1858.1 U g-1 fresh weight). A complex interaction between PHE accumulation in relation to LB severity and time was observed, with a notable increase in PHE levels at 50 days after transplant when disease severity was between 25 and 50%. Future studies should consider including a broader range of genotypes and isolates of P. infestans, a more extensive set of biochemical responses, and evaluations of the overexpression of genes related to plant defense.