Prosopis Spp Research Articles

Exudados gomosos de Prosopis spp. localizados en Ecuador: potencial prebióticos en la alimentación animal

Fiber-rich plant foods have been tested as prebiotics (adjuvant to the growth and activity of the gut microbiota) in animal production, due to their high inulin and fiber content, in order to reduce the use of antibiotics and microbial resistance. The gummy exudate produced by Acacia senegal is a source of nutritional fiber that has been tested as a prebiotic in animal feed. The objective of this study was to analyze the potential use of novel sources of Prosopis spp. gummy exudates as prebiotics in animals of zootechnical interest based on a systematic literature review in indexed journals of the use of gum-hydrocolloids as an alternative supplement in animal feed. The scientific articles reviewed show the benefits of using the gummy exudate of Acacia senegal as a prebiotic in the production of broilers, turkeys, rabbits, and pigs. The gums obtained from Prosopis spp. present physicochemical and nutritional characteristics analogous to those published for gum arabic. Therefore, based on the bibliographic reports consulted, the gummy exudate obtained from Prosopis spp trees located in Ecuador could present a nutritional profile with excellent fiber content, oligosaccharides, essential minerals, and phenolic compounds, which would enhance its use as a promising prebiotic in animal feed, improving the function of the intestinal barrier, favoring the growth of beneficial microbiota, significantly reducing the populations of pathogenic bacteria, optimizing animal welfare and production. Keywords: dietary fiber, hydrocolloids, animal production, alternative growth promoters.

Potential distribution of selected invasive alien plants under current and future climate change scenarios in South Africa

Invasive alien plants are one of the main causes for the decline of native biodiversity worldwide. Hence, it is crucial to understand the dynamics of invasive plants in the context of a changing climate. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the potential distribution of two major invasive alien plants, Prosopis spp and Acacia mearnsii, under current and future climate change scenarios across South Africa. The maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model was used with species occurrence data and bioclimatic variables. The Species occurrence data was obtained from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), while the bioclimatic variables were downloaded from the WorldClim database. The model evaluation metrics for training and test samples were the area under curve (AUC) of 0.76 and 0.77 for Prosopis spp, and 0.91 and 0.89 for A. mearnsii, respectively. It showed that MaxEnt performed well in mapping the distribution of both species. Model results indicated that the near-current potential distribution of Prosopis spp and A. mearnsii in South Africa is significant (93.8% and 9.7% of the total land area, respectively). With the projected climate, Prosopis spp showed an inconsistent result across the General Circulation Models (GCMs), projection times and climate change scenarios. However, with respect to the current potential distribution, the geographical ranges of A. mearnsii will significantly contract (by about 75%) due to climate change. Therefore, it is imperative that policy makers, environmental managers and other stakeholders implement integrated management and control strategies to restrict the distribution of Prosopis spp.

Prosopis L. woody growth in relation to hydrology in South America: A review

Arboreal species of the genus Prosopis L. have played an important role in the development of tree-ring research in arid and semi-arid ecoregions of South America. Given the distribution of Prosopis across a broad precipitation gradient from 0 to 2000 mm y−1 and its unique role as a phreatophyte, the relationship between Prosopis species growth and water has been a recurring theme over the past century. We conducted a systematic review of the literature addressing Prosopis and water research in South America, and combined site coordinates with GIS data of mean annual precipitation (MAP), elevation, biome, and soil moisture from online databases to understand the spatial distribution of research to date. We compiled 40 publications from 1931 to 2022, including results from 11 species of Prosopis among four countries, on the relationship between Prosopis spp and precipitation, groundwater levels, soil humidity, among other hydrological parameters. The spatial distribution of research sites spans tropical-subtropical and temperate latitudes from 4° to 35°S, excluding regions where the genus is present in Patagonia and northeastern South America. Studies covered a broad range of elevations from 30 to 3500 m a.s.l. but was limited to 1–730 mm y−1 MAP, excluding more humid climates where Prosopis occurs. Results obtained from 32 dendrochronological studies and eight studies relating to Prosopis and hydrology, were grouped into sub-disciplines of tree-ring formation and the hydrosystem, dendroclimatology, dendrohydrology, and dendroecology. The review highlights the unique affinities of Prosopis to arid conditions, and the use of tree rings as a proxy for historical droughts and variability in water tables. Nonetheless, there are opportunities to expand the geographical-climatological extent of Prosopis growth research to humid climates, as well as to incorporate novel techniques such as stable isotopes and vessel size chronologies to understand how this genus records hydrological change throughout South America.

Butterfly Assemblages Associated with Restored Riparian Uplands: Las Vegas Wash, Nevada, USA

The butterfly assemblage found at riparian upland plant restoration areas (after removal of the invasive plant, tamarisk (Tamarix ramosissima Ledebour)) along Las Vegas Wash was examined over four different months. Upland areas were planted with a variety of plants, however, those with a mesquite (Prosopis spp. Linneaus) component contained additional butterfly species relative to other plots. Detrended correspondence analysis demonstrated a gradient of butterfly species that corresponded with mesquite, age of stand, and homogenous areas of tamarisk. Some potential butterfly species went undetected; perhaps because required herbaceous understory plants were absent, or the need for greater densities of the hemiparasitic mistletoe (Phoradendron) (Nutt.) which is utilized by certain butterfly species. A single plot of exotic tamarisk, the near-past dominant shrub of the Wash landscape, was examined. An incursion of the beetle Diorhabda carinulata (Desbrochers), a phytophagous tamarisk control agent, appeared to affect tamarisk nectar production along with butterfly abundance at the plot. Butterfly response to nectar at inadvertent seep areas suggests these features are important for butterfly directed landscape restoration activities. Use of a characteristic butterfly community for identifying goals for upland restoration was valuable in describing end-points that incorporated assets of natural mesquite bosques.

EVALUACIÓN DE LOS PATRONES DE FERMENTACIÓN IN VITRO Y PRODUCCIÓN DE METANO DE VAINA DE MEZQUITE (Prosopis spp.

<p><strong>Background.</strong> Mesquite is a shrubby legume that dominates the vegetation of arid regions with multiple benefits in controlling erosive process, improving micrometeorology, and as feed source for livestock species. In addition, mesquite pods contain secondary components that could represent an option to mitigate emissions of enteric methane in ruminants. <strong>Objective.</strong> To evaluate <em>in vitro</em> fermentation patterns and methane production of mesquite pods (<em>Prosopis spp</em>.) in the arid ecoregion of the State of Hidalgo. <strong>Methodology.</strong> Mesquite pod samples were obtained from four municipalities in the arid ecoregion of the state of Hidalgo: Actopan (ACT), Tula de Allende (TUL), San Salvador (SAL) and Zimapán (ZIM). <em>In vitro </em>fermentation of the mesquite pods was carried out during 72 h to 39 °C in a culture medium with ruminal bacteria and mineral solutions. The fractional gas volume (Vf), cumulated gas volume (Va), maximum volume (V), gas production rate (S) and lag time (L) were calculated. The volume of methane was quantified by displacement of a NaOH 2N solution. <strong>Results.</strong> Some chemical composition characteristics of the mesquite pods were different between municipalities. V showed significant differences between localities (p≤0.05), with mesquite pods collected in SAL showing the highest values (163.2 mL g-1 MS). A municipality x time interaction was observed for Vf (p≤0.05) and differences between municipalities were observed. The values of volume partial of CH<sub>4</sub> observed at 24 hours were different between collection sites (p≤0.05), with higher emission values observed in mesquite pods collected in SAL (16.3 mL/g MS) and ACT (17.3 mL/g MS). <strong>Conclusion.</strong> The results of the current study provide evidence of differences of <em>in vitro</em> fermentation patterns and methane emissions from the mesquite pods regarding to origin place. <strong>Implications.</strong> These results should be considered in the design and implementation of future nutritional and greenhouse gas mitigation strategies.</p>

Different Prosopis species influence sodic soil ecology by favouring carbon build-up and reclamation in North-West India

Prosopis species is a multipurpose N-fixing leguminous tree that grows naturally in semi-arid and arid environments. These trees are reported to ameliorate and rehabilitate salt-affected soils through its diverse inputs and tolerance to high salinity. However, scanty and scattered information is available on reclamation capacity and soil ecology transformations of different Prosopis spp. under different soil depths. The first aim of this study was to examine changes in soil properties under different Prosopis spp. (of 12 years old plantations) at the research farm, ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India. The second aim was to determine the most influential soil properties that accounted for the most variation in the Prosopis spp. plantation. The results indicated that irrespective of different Prosopis spp. Plantation, soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), bulk density, the concentration of Na+, HCO3− and CO3− decreased significantly whereas, mineral N (NO3––N and NH4+–N), soil organic C (SOC), soil carbon stock, microbial biomass C (MB-C) and the concentration of K+ increased significantly. The highest reduction in EC value was noticed under P. juliflora (64.5%) followed by P. chilensis (61.5%) and P. articulata (59.8%) as compared to the control (barren land). Prosopis juliflora increased the MB-C, averaged across the soil depth by 14.8% and 27.5% over P. alba and P. articulata, respectively. MB-C averaged across the Prosopis spp. decreased with increased soil depth and remarkable influence was observed up to 75 cm of soil depth. The magnitude of increase in SOC content and soil carbon stock was higher under P. alba followed by P. juliflora than rest of the Prosopis spp. in the surface (0–15 cm) than sub-soil (15–105 cm) layers. With the predicted increase in area under salt-affected soils due to climate change and anthropogenic reasons, it is crucial to develop the management practices and technologies particularly bio-amelioration which will not only reclaim salt-affected soils but also increase the carbon content to restore the fertility of these soils.

Soil organic carbon and dead biomass pools in woodlands from Monte region (Argentina)

Soil and above-ground dead biomass are important carbon pools in drylands. They depend on local controls and patterns that should be studied. The objective of this work is to understand and quantify the influence of the vegetation canopy in the regulation of soil and dead biomass carbon stocks in woodlands of Monte region in Argentina. The hypothesis is that soil and dead biomass carbon stocks are lower in the intercanopy and higher under the canopy, independently of the type of canopy. Thirty sampling plots were selected, identifying three treatments: tree canopy, intercanopy and shrub canopy. In each sampling plot, soil and dead biomass were sampled. Four physiognomic-functional groups were identified. Prosopis woodlands accumulated about 38 Mg ha-1 of dead organic carbon (from soil, litter, and dead wood), followed by Suaeda woodlands with almost 35 Mg ha-1. Mixed woodlands showed average values around 27 Mg ha-1, while Bulnesia woodlands around 25 Mg ha-1. The vegetation canopy, and consequently, litter and dead wood input affected soil organic carbon in topsoil. Shrubs such as Larrea spp. had a restricted ability to enrich soil compared to Prosopis spp. Soil, litter and dead wood are significant pools of carbon and should be included in programs on reducing emissions in arid regions. The hypothesis is accepted partially; there is a remarked contrast in carbon content between soils under the tree canopy and off the canopy. However, the effect of shrub canopy is intermediate between both treatments.

Contenido de materia orgánica en suelos de sistemas silvopastoriles establecidos en el Chaco Central paraguayo

El sistema silvopastoril se caracteriza por asociación de ganadería, árboles y pastura, la interacción entre estos componentes aporta beneficios tanto al suelo, como a la pastura, al ganado y a los árboles y permite un aumento en la productividad y la diversificación de la producción. Para conocer la influencia del componente arbóreo del sistema silvopastoril sobre el contenido de materia orgánica del suelo se llevó a cabo un estudio exploratorio en propiedades privadas ubicadas en los Departamento de Boquerón y Presidente Hayes del Chaco Central paraguayo. Se instalaron 8 parcelas permanentes de 1 ha cada una en las que se midieron y registraron todos los individuos de algarrobo (Prosopis spp), se identificaron y extrajeron muestras de pastura de subparcelas de 1m2 que se ubicaron bajo la copa de los árboles y fuera de la copa para comparar la biomasa de la pastura, se extrajeron muestras de suelo bajo las condiciones mencionadas y a dos profundidades, de 0 a 10 cm y de 10 a 30 cm, para comparar el contenido de materia orgánica, carbono y nitrógeno. El componente arbóreo estaba integrado por algarrobo blanco (Prosopis alba) y algarrobo negro (Prosopis nigra) asociados a pastura implantada, Gatton panic (Panicum máximum cv Gatton panic) pasto Pangola (Digitaria decumbens) y pasto Buffel (Cenchrus ciliaris) mayoritariamente. No se registraron diferencias significativas en el contenido de materia orgánica, carbono y nitrógeno entre condiciones de sol y de sombra, pero sí al variar la profundidad. Bajo las condiciones del presente estudio no se registró una influencia significativa del componente arbóreo sobre el contenido de materia orgánica.

Effects of natural and artificial shade on human thermal comfort in residential neighborhood parks of Phoenix, Arizona, USA

This research studied the capacity of natural and artificial shade types to improve outdoor human comfort during normally hot, summer midday (1200 to 1400 h), desert conditions. Micrometeorological data were collected in full sun and under shade canopies of six landscape tree taxa and constructed ramadas in residential neighborhood parks of Phoenix, AZ, USA. The six tree taxa included Arizona ash (Fraxinus velutina Torr.), Mexican palo verde (Parkinsonia aculeata L.), Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis Mill.), South American mesquite (Prosopis spp. L.), Texas live oak (Quercus virginiana for. fusiformis Mill.), and Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia Jacq.). Results showed that natural shading from live trees and artificial shading from constructed ramadas were not similarly effective at improving outdoor human thermal comfort, represented by physiologically equivalent temperature (PET). The difference in PET between full sun and under shade canopies of Fraxinus and Quercus trees was greater than under shade canopies of Parkinsonia, Prosopis, trees or constructed ramadas by 2.9 to 4.3 °C. Radiation intensity was the most significant driver of lowered PET (p < 0.0001, R2 = 0.69) and with the exception of ramadas, lower radiation intensities corresponded with lower PET. Our results suggest that selecting trees that attenuate the most solar radiation is the most effective urban design strategy for lowering PET during normally hot, summer midday, desert conditions.

Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of commercial flours from Ceratonia siliqua and Prosopis spp.

Ceratonia siliqua and some species of Prosopis (Fabaceae family) are commonly known as carob trees. The flours obtained from their pods are used in the food industry, as cocoa substitute in the confectionery and also used in beverages and mixed with products derived from cereals. The aim of this study was to compare and characterize the physical and chemical properties, specially the antioxidant activities, of the two commercial carob flours. Commercial Prosopis spp. (mainly from P. alba) flour exhibited high content of protein, starch and fat, while commercial flour from C. siliqua had a lower content of these compounds, but higher antioxidant activity. By nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) the aqueous extracts of the two carob flours were analysed and concluded that they had similar content of sucrose, but C. siliqua had more monosaccharides and pinitol. This important cyclitol has beneficial physiological effects, improving the glycaemic level and, thus, having a great potential in the food industry. We conclude that the commercial flour of C. siliqua has a better nutritional potential than that of Prosopis spp., owing to dietary fiber, total phenols, pinitol and antioxidant activity. Our results corroborate the nutritional benefits of the commercial supplements already available for healthy food formulations.

Molecular characterization of nitrogen fixing microsymbionts from root nodules of Vachellia (Acacia) jacquemontii, a native legume from the Thar Desert of India

To describe the structure of nodules of Vachellia (Acacia) jacquemontii, and to characterise the rhizobia that occupy them. Light and electron microscopy were used to analyse nodules. Rhizobia were characterised using their 16S rRNA, housekeeping and symbiosis-related gene sequences. Nodules of V. jacquemontii were typical of all other described mimosoid legumes. All 73 of the isolates were strains of Ensifer, and concatenated phylogenetic analysis of their housekeeping genes (rrs, recA, atpD, glnII and dnaK) suggested that they are novel, forming separate lineages close to E. saheli. The phylogenies of the symbiosis-essential genes nodA and nifH were inconsistent with the housekeeping phylogenies. The nodA sequences of most isolates were close to that of E. arboris HAMBI 1552T, but the nifH gene was found to be related to that of E. kostiensis HAMBI 1489T. All the tested Ensifer strains, except for AJ24, were found to be capable of nodulating other species of Vachellia as well as native Indian Mimosa and Prosopis spp. Stressful conditions caused by the alkaline soil of the Thar Desert have resulted in V. jacquemontii being nodulated by diverse and promiscuous Ensifer species that are capable of nodulating other native members of the tribe Mimoseae.

Priority threat management of non‐native plants to maintain ecosystem integrity across heterogeneous landscapes

Summary Invasive non‐native plants have negatively impacted on biodiversity and ecosystem functions world‐wide. Because of the large number of species, their wide distributions and varying degrees of impact, we need a more effective method for prioritizing control strategies for cost‐effective investment across heterogeneous landscapes. Here, we develop a prioritization framework that synthesizes scientific data, elicits knowledge from experts and stakeholders to identify control strategies, and appraises the cost‐effectiveness of strategies. Our objective was to identify the most cost‐effective strategies for reducing the total area dominated by high‐impact non‐native plants in the Lake Eyre Basin (LEB). We use a case study of the ˜120 million ha Lake Eyre Basin that comprises some of the most distinctive Australian landscapes, including Uluru‐Kata Tjuta National Park. More than 240 non‐native plant species are recorded in the Lake Eyre Basin, with many predicted to spread, but there are insufficient resources to control all species. Lake Eyre Basin experts identified 12 strategies to control, contain or eradicate non‐native species over the next 50 years. The total cost of the proposed Lake Eyre Basin strategies was estimated at AU$1·7 billion, an average of AU$34 million annually. Implementation of these strategies is estimated to reduce non‐native plant dominance by 17 million ha – there would be a 32% reduction in the likely area dominated by non‐native plants within 50 years if these strategies were implemented. The three most cost‐effective strategies were controlling Parkinsonia aculeata, Ziziphus mauritiana and Prosopis spp. These three strategies combined were estimated to cost only 0·01% of total cost of all the strategies, but would provide 20% of the total benefits. Over 50 years, cost‐effective spending of AU$2·3 million could eradicate all non‐native plant species from the only threatened ecological community within the Lake Eyre Basin, the Great Artesian Basin discharge springs. Synthesis and applications. Our framework, based on a case study of the ˜120 million ha Lake Eyre Basin in Australia, provides a rationale for financially efficient investment in non‐native plant management and reveals combinations of strategies that are optimal for different budgets. It also highlights knowledge gaps and incidental findings that could improve effective management of non‐native plants, for example addressing the reliability of species distribution data and prevalence of information sharing across states and regions.

Alternatives and decision-making in natural resource management in degraded dryland areas

El manejo de los recursos naturales tanto en las zonas áridas como en cualquier otra área, debe estar respaldado por un adecuado análisis de las necesidades reales del sitio. El objetivo del presente estudio fue identificar y evaluar diferentes alternativas de manejo de recursos naturales, con la finalidad de desarrollar opciones de manejo que permitan mejorar las condiciones físicas del suelo en los agostaderos y a la vez, contribuir con las actividades productivas de la población. El estudio fue llevado a cabo en la localidad Roma-Texas que se encuentra a 25° 52’ 25.83” N y 103° 43’ 33.8” W a una altitud de 1,168 m. El presente estudio se llevó a cabo mediante recorridos de campo, para identificar la principal problemática de los recursos naturales en el área. Con el uso de la herramienta RMS Planningtool – SWAPA se definieron probables alternativas que se pueden aplicar en el sitio, mientras que con ayuda de expertos relacionados con el manejo de recursos naturales y la herramienta DSS Facilitator, se procedió a la evaluación y definición de las mejores alternativas para contribuir a la resolución de problemas relacionados al manejo de recursos naturales. Considerando los aspectos físico, social, económico y ambiental, las prácticas mejor evaluadas por su factibilidad, viabilidad y facilidad, fueron: el establecimiento de plantas leñosas (Prosopis spp), y de pastoreo, particularmente el pasto buffel (Cenchrus ciliarisL.), que son capaces de adaptarse a las condiciones de aridez de la zona.

Rheological and Microstructure Characterization of Composite Dough with Wheat and Mesquite (Prosopis spp) Flours

Rheological behavior and microstructural characteristics of composite dough with wheat and mesquite flours (from Prosopis alba) were analyzed by response surface methodology. A central composite design was applied varying proportions of water (50 to 80 g each 100 g wheat flour) and mesquite flour (0 to 70 each 100 g wheat flour). Texture profile analysis showed that increasing the amount of mesquite flour and decreasing the amount of water led to less cohesive and more resilient doughs. Stress relaxation curves were fitted with a Maxwell model and relaxation times were obtained. These parameters resulted higher for those formulations low in mesquite content and high water levels. Composite dough showed a typical viscoelastic behavior with higher elastic moduli (G’) when mesquite flour ratio in the mixture was increased. 1H-RMN T2 relaxation assays revealed higher mobility in samples with high amounts of water and minimum level of mesquite. A farinograph was adequate to obtain optimum water amounts and showed that addition of mesquite led to less stable dough respect to control wheat dough. By using confocal laser scanning microscopy with fluorescent probes rhodamine B and fluoresceine isothiocyanate, a poor gluten network development or protein aggregation was observed when water contents were far from optimum.

Relationship Of Allergen Sensitization and LUNG Function In Adults Patients With Asthma In Allergy Clinic In Monterrey, Mexico

RationaleSensitization to aeroallergens is known as a risk factor to development of asthma. The aim is assess relationship of sensitization to aeroallergens with lung function by spirometry in asthmatic adults treated in 2010-2012 in Regional Centre of Allergy and Clinical Immunology University Hospital in Monterrey, NL.MethodsObservational, descriptive study, which consisted in a review of medical records of adult patients with asthma and sensitization to allergens tested. We obtained demographic, clinical data, results of skin tests with extracts of 36 aeroallergens and the results of pulmonary function. Were analyzed with statistical program SPSS20, and Fisher's exact test.ResultsFrom the review of medical records were selected 121patients, gender distribution was female, in 46.3%, the mean age was 34.3 years, and age ranges were <25 years (19%), 25-44 years (49.6%), 45-64 years (28.9%), <65 years (2.5%). The most frequent are Dermatophagoides spp (60.3%), Sorghum halepense (29.8%), Prosopis spp (28.9%), Cynodon dactylon (26.4%) and Blattella germanica (17.4%). In relation to pulmonary function tests, the mean FEV1 was 83%, + 18.4, with mean of reversibility of 12.95%, the age group with the greatest impaired in FEV1 was 45 to 64 years. The x2 test: relationship of FEV1with sensitization pollen (p=0.62), fungi (p=0.75), mites (p=0.31), cat (p=0.72).ConclusionsThe most common are Dermatophagoides spp; the relationship of sensitization and lung función measured by spirometry in these patients was not statistically significant, which may be due previous treatment, exposure to allergen, determinants genetic, environmental conditions, infections, irritants, age, which have an important role in lung function. RationaleSensitization to aeroallergens is known as a risk factor to development of asthma. The aim is assess relationship of sensitization to aeroallergens with lung function by spirometry in asthmatic adults treated in 2010-2012 in Regional Centre of Allergy and Clinical Immunology University Hospital in Monterrey, NL. Sensitization to aeroallergens is known as a risk factor to development of asthma. The aim is assess relationship of sensitization to aeroallergens with lung function by spirometry in asthmatic adults treated in 2010-2012 in Regional Centre of Allergy and Clinical Immunology University Hospital in Monterrey, NL. MethodsObservational, descriptive study, which consisted in a review of medical records of adult patients with asthma and sensitization to allergens tested. We obtained demographic, clinical data, results of skin tests with extracts of 36 aeroallergens and the results of pulmonary function. Were analyzed with statistical program SPSS20, and Fisher's exact test. Observational, descriptive study, which consisted in a review of medical records of adult patients with asthma and sensitization to allergens tested. We obtained demographic, clinical data, results of skin tests with extracts of 36 aeroallergens and the results of pulmonary function. Were analyzed with statistical program SPSS20, and Fisher's exact test. ResultsFrom the review of medical records were selected 121patients, gender distribution was female, in 46.3%, the mean age was 34.3 years, and age ranges were <25 years (19%), 25-44 years (49.6%), 45-64 years (28.9%), <65 years (2.5%). The most frequent are Dermatophagoides spp (60.3%), Sorghum halepense (29.8%), Prosopis spp (28.9%), Cynodon dactylon (26.4%) and Blattella germanica (17.4%). In relation to pulmonary function tests, the mean FEV1 was 83%, + 18.4, with mean of reversibility of 12.95%, the age group with the greatest impaired in FEV1 was 45 to 64 years. The x2 test: relationship of FEV1with sensitization pollen (p=0.62), fungi (p=0.75), mites (p=0.31), cat (p=0.72). From the review of medical records were selected 121patients, gender distribution was female, in 46.3%, the mean age was 34.3 years, and age ranges were <25 years (19%), 25-44 years (49.6%), 45-64 years (28.9%), <65 years (2.5%). The most frequent are Dermatophagoides spp (60.3%), Sorghum halepense (29.8%), Prosopis spp (28.9%), Cynodon dactylon (26.4%) and Blattella germanica (17.4%). In relation to pulmonary function tests, the mean FEV1 was 83%, + 18.4, with mean of reversibility of 12.95%, the age group with the greatest impaired in FEV1 was 45 to 64 years. The x2 test: relationship of FEV1with sensitization pollen (p=0.62), fungi (p=0.75), mites (p=0.31), cat (p=0.72). ConclusionsThe most common are Dermatophagoides spp; the relationship of sensitization and lung función measured by spirometry in these patients was not statistically significant, which may be due previous treatment, exposure to allergen, determinants genetic, environmental conditions, infections, irritants, age, which have an important role in lung function. The most common are Dermatophagoides spp; the relationship of sensitization and lung función measured by spirometry in these patients was not statistically significant, which may be due previous treatment, exposure to allergen, determinants genetic, environmental conditions, infections, irritants, age, which have an important role in lung function.

Novedades palinológicas de las formaciones San José y Chiquimil (Mioceno medio y tardío), noroeste de Argentina

In this contribution three new fossil genera Cordiapollenites gen. nov., Euphortricolporites gen. nov., Prosocolporites gen. nov. and four new species Cordiapollenites espinulata sp. nov., Euphortricolporites perforata sp. nov., Prosocolporites argentina sp. nov. and Cyperaceaepollis kyllingoides sp. nov. and one new combination: Ailanthipites gamerroi Archangelsky are described. The botanical affinities of these taxa are with: Cordia spp., Boraginaceae (Cordiapollenites espinulata), Euphorbia spp. Euphorbiaceae (Euphortricolporites perforatae), Prosopis spp. Fabaceae (Prosocolporites argentina) and Kyllinga spp. Cyperaceae (Cyperaceaepollis kyllingoides). Chronostratigraphic analysis of the families of the taxa is realized. It is concluded that most of the botanical affinities of the genera under study constitute the first palynological reports of the Argentine Cenozoic (Paleocene-Pliocene interval). The proposal is that the paleocommunities in which the fossil taxa developed were: hydrophytic freshwater marsh, higrophyla vegetation, xerophytic plant community and upland forest.

Dietary fibre concentrate from Chilean algarrobo (Prosopis chilensis (Mol.) Stuntz) pods: Purification and characterization

Prosopis species are generally fast-growing, drought-resistant, nitrogen-fixing trees or shrubs. Fruits of Prosopis spp are indehiscent pods, where pericarp is formed by the epicarp, light brown in colour, and fibrous nature; the mesocarp known as pulp, which is rich in sugars; and the endocarp. The aim of this work was to obtain a fibre concentrate from the pods of Prosopis chilensis Mol. (Stuntz) and to determine the chemical, physical, and technological properties of the pod flour (PF) and of a fibre concentrate or pod purified flour (PPF). Acetone, ethanol, and water at different conditions of time and temperature were used in the purification process. PF showed 53.7 g/100 g of total sugar content, 4.2 g/100 g of reducing sugar content, 41.8 g/100 g of total dietary fibre, 35.8 g/100 g of insoluble fibre, and 6.0 g/100 g of soluble fibre content. The PPF has a total sugar content of 3.8 g/100 g, reducing sugar content of 2.2 g/100 g, total dietary fibre content of 80.8 g/100 g, insoluble fibre content of 75.1 g/100 g, and soluble fibre content of 5.7 g/100 g. The scanning electron microscopy analysis showed the existence of voids in the structure of PPF flour, which reveals the efficiency of the purification process with a high decrease in the total sugar content.

Estimation of stem and tree level biomass models for Prosopis juliflora/pallida applicable to multi-stemmed tree species

The aim of this paper is to develop biomass models for commonly multi-stemmed Prosopis juliflora/pallida trees. The data were collected on three of the Cape Verde islands (Maio, Santiago and Santo Antao). The dataset covers 240 trees containing 1,882 stems with stem diameter at breast height over 2 cm; of that 255 individual tree stems were sampled destructively. These calibration data were used to construct stem and tree-level models for estimation of total aboveground biomass and its fine and course fractions with diameter threshold of 5 cm. A set of parameterized biomass models for multi-stemmed Prosopis spp. trees suited for biomass estimation at tree and stem levels using appropriate set of independent variables, commonly available in forest inventory programs, was created. The effect of site (island) on tree allometry was not detected. The two-phase construction of tree biomass models based on destructive sampling limited to individual stems combined with a routine field measurement of entire multi-stemmed tree specimen represents a practicable approach leading to biomass and carbon assessment that may be generally suited for tree species with complex multi-stemmed growth form similar to that of Prosopis spp.

Fast protocol for extraction of DNA from Prosopis spp leaves (plant adapted to arid environment) without liquid nitrogen

The extraction of high-quality genomic DNA from Prosopis spp for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification is complicated, owing to the presence of a high percentage of secondary metabolites that bind to or co-precipitate with nucleic acids. In the present study, we report a modified sodium dodecyl sulfate/phenol protocol that eliminates the use of liquid nitrogen in the maceration process, β-mercaptoethanol in the buffer extraction, and the ethanol precipitation step. The A₂₆₀/A₂₈₀ absorbance ratios of the isolated DNA were approximately 2.0 to 1.9, suggesting that the DNA fraction was pure and can be used for further PCR analysis. The DNA isolated by this protocol is of sufficient quality for molecular applications; this technique could be applied to other organisms that have similar substances that hinder DNA extraction. Finally, this proposal represents an alternative fast, cheap, and effective method for the isolation of genomic DNA from fresh leaves of Prosopis spp, even in low-technology laboratories.

Simple rules to contain an invasive species with a complex life cycle and high dispersal capacity

Summary1. Designing practical rules for controlling invasive species is a challenging task for managers, particularly when species are long‐lived, have complex life cycles and high dispersal capacities. Previous findings derived from plant matrix population analyses suggest that effective control of long‐lived invaders may be achieved by focusing on killing adult plants. However, the cost‐effectiveness of managing different life stages has not been evaluated.2. We illustrate the benefits of integrating matrix population models with decision theory to undertake this evaluation, using empirical data from the largest infestation of mesquite (Leguminosae: Prosopis spp) within Australia. We include in our model the mesquite life cycle, different dispersal rates and control actions that target individuals at different life stages with varying costs, depending on the intensity of control effort. We then use stochastic dynamic programming to derive cost‐effective control strategies that minimize the cost of controlling the core infestation locally below a density threshold and the future cost of control arising from infestation of adjacent areas via seed dispersal.3. Through sensitivity analysis, we show that four robust management rules guide the allocation of resources between mesquite life stages for this infestation: (i) When there is no seed dispersal, no action is required until density of adults exceeds the control threshold and then only control of adults is needed; (ii) when there is seed dispersal, control strategy is dependent on knowledge of the density of adults and large juveniles (LJ) and broad categories of dispersal rates only; (iii) if density of adults is higher than density of LJ, controlling adults is most cost‐effective; (iv) alternatively, if density of LJ is equal or higher than density of adults, management efforts should be spread between adults, large and to a lesser extent small juveniles, but never saplings.4. Synthesis and applications. In this study, we show that simple rules can be found for managing invasive plants with complex life cycles and high dispersal rates when population models are combined with decision theory. In the case of our mesquite population, focussing effort on controlling adults is not always the most cost‐effective way to meet our management objective.