Region Of Veracruz Research Articles

Strategy to improve the micropropagation of sugarcane plants using carbon dioxide injection

Objective: To develop a strategy for the improvement of micropropagation of sugarcane plants in the central region of Veracruz, using carbon dioxide injection. Design/methodology/approach: Intelligent control and micropropagation techniques are used in this development. Results: Improved micropropagation of sugarcane plants using carbon dioxide injection is demonstrated using intelligent control techniques. Findings/conclusions: With this controlled carbon dioxide injection system, research can be carried out to obtain the most approximate values to contribute to better growth and adaptability in sugarcane crops. This can guarantee shorter adaptation times and thus generate greater economic gains for the producers.

New Record of Zaprionus indianus1 Causing Damage on Figs in the Central Region of Veracruz, Mexico

New Record of Zaprionus indianus1 Causing Damage on Figs in the Central Region of Veracruz, Mexico

Culture on organ and tissue donation in the community of Medical School, Veracruz Region

Abstract Introduction Organ donation is a life-saving activity, yet there is a disparity between the high number of recipients and the minimal number of donors. Objetives To determine the level of organ and tissue donation culture for transplant purposes among faculty members and undergraduate medical interns at a Medical School Methods A cross-sectional and prospective study was conducted from January 2023 to 2024, including faculty members and undergraduate medical interns from the Medical School at the University of Veracruz - Veracruz Region. The main study variable was the culture of organ and tissue donation for transplant purposes, quantified through three dimensions: knowledge, attitude, and training, assessed using a validated instrument (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.6). The entire described population was included, and they were approached in different areas to invite them to participate in this research. Results 225 subjects (55 faculty members) agreed to participate. 97% of participants expressed support for organ donation. Among those not in favor of donation, 33% feared receiving poor medical care as donors, and 17% viewed donation as a business. Organ donation culture was deemed sufficient in 10.98% and outstanding in 71.76% of participants. The most common level of knowledge was outstanding (52%), 70% of the studied population showed a ‘very positive’ attitude towards organ and tissue donation. Training history was evaluated as an associated factor with knowledge about organ donation (OR/CI95%), identifying an association between lack of training and levels of sufficient knowledge (2.5/1.2-4.9) and outstanding knowledge (0.3/0.1-0.7), as well as with sufficient culture (9.6/1.2-73.0) and outstanding culture (0.1/0.04-0.4) (p < 0.05) Conclusions It is imperative to strengthen training programs for faculty and undergraduate personnel, as quality training enhances knowledge and culture within this essential area of healthcare personnel formation. Key messages • University professors should have accurate information on organ donation and sensitize future physicians on the subject, as this could be a crucial step for future interactions in favor of donation. • It is necessary to eradicate misinformation about organ donation in teachers and students of medical schools, since they are the basis for education and awareness on this issue in the population.

Intention to use HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in health sciences students

Abstract Introduction HIV is a public health issue, and as such, there are currently programs for the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV (PrEP) in various public institutions, with family physicians being one of the pillars to provide information and raise awareness among individuals at risk for HIV who wish to use these strategies. Objectives To determine the factors associated with the intention to use PrEP among university students in the healthcare field in the Veracruz-Boca del Río region. Methods A cross-sectional, prospective, and analytical study was conducted from August 2023 to March 2024, including students from healthcare-related majors at universities in the Veracruz region. An instrument was used to assess the level of knowledge about PrEP (Cronbach’s alpha of 0.8), with scores ranging from 0 to 10. Students were invited to participate in this research at different faculties of health sciences. Results 508 subjects participated, with 299 (58.9%) females and 386 (76.0%) heterosexual; 65.9% had never heard the term ‘PrEP,’ and 12% learned it from social media. The intention to use PrEP was positive in 81.5% of subjects in case of becoming a high-risk person for acquiring HIV. The level of knowledge about PrEP showed a score of 2.2 (SD ± 2.6), with 3.7% having high knowledge, 10.2% having a passing grade, and 55.9% scoring above the median (1.4) of the group’s scores. No association was identified between gender identity, sexual orientation, academic characteristics, and sources of information with the intention to use PrEP (p > 0.05). Knowledge level above the median of 6 points showed an odds ratio of 2.95 (95% CI 1.03-8.3) for the intention to use PrEP (p < 0.05). Conclusions The level of knowledge increases the probability of the intention to use PrEP in young people, making it essential for the primary care physician to carry out this training and awareness activity within their daily interactions with young patients. Key messages • It is essential to generate education programs on Prep for the population, as this will favor informed decision making on the use of these medicines in case they are required. • It is necessary to provide people with general information about Prep, since despite the existence of active programs for its distribution, most people have never heard anything about this drug scheme.

Management of Citrus Cultivation in Emerging Rural Communities in Mexico: Practices and Challenges in the Central-Northern Region of Veracruz

Management of Citrus Cultivation in Emerging Rural Communities in Mexico: Practices and Challenges in the Central-Northern Region of Veracruz

Phytoplankton from a brackish lagoon in the central region of Veracruz, Mexico

Introduction: The brackish lagoons are ecosystems with great diversity and possibilities for human use. Therefore, the knowledge about phytoplankton needs to be improved to understand its real impact. Objective: To relate the Mandinga's Lagoon phytoplankton to the limnological conditions during the dry and wet seasons. Methods: The material was collected in three stations: Isla Conchas (ICO), Mandinga Chica (MCH) and Isla del Amor (IA) during the dry (March 2018) and wet (September 2017 and 2018) seasons. The limnological analysis included ten abiotic variables, and the phytoplankton was analyzed by the Utermöhl method. Data was analyzed with the Shannon index (H´) and Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA). Results: 136 species were identified: 68.4 % Heterokontophyta, 22.8 % Dinoflagellata, and 5.9 % Cyanobacteriota; with 40 euryhaline and 96 stenohaline. The most abundant species were: Bacillaria paxillifera, Chaetoceros compressus, Coscinodiscus rothii, and Chaetoceros atlanticus. The highest abundance was in ICO (dry) and the lowest in MCH (wet), with 307 x 103 and 76 x 103 cells/ml, respectively; the H´ ranged from 1.31 to 0.70 bits/ind. The CCA showed a relationship between salinity and dissolved oxygen with C. rothii and Ceratoneis closterium. The phosphates were associated with B. paxillifera, C. atlanticus, and Podosira stelligera. The nitrate, water temperature and pH were related to Tripos hircus, T. furca, Diploneis bombus, and Merismopedia elegans. In contrast, Skeletonema costatum, Cocconeis scutelum, and Nitzschia bicapitata did not correlate with the limnological variables. Conclusions: The Mandinga's Lagoon is a shallow, euryhaline and well-oxygenated ecosystem. The dominance of diatoms and dinoflagellates was evidenced by their ability to survive in different salinities and temperatures. It is recommended monitor phytoplankton, in particular Microcystis wesenbergii, B. quinquecornis, Pseudo-nitzschia cf. pungens, and P. cf. pseudodelicatissima as they are harmful algae.

Characterization of production and commercialization systems of camedor palm (Chamaedorea elegans Mart.).

Objective: To describe the cultivation systems of C. elegans through the analysis of production and commercialization in three municipalities in the high mountain region of Veracruz, Mexico. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study was conducted in Tepatlaxco, Zongolica, and Omealca, Veracruz, Mexico. From January to July 2022, a survey was administered to 84 producers of Camedor palm using convenience sampling. In addition, interviews with key informants and participant observation were conducted. Results: Camedor palm production occurs in small production units ranging from 1 ± 0.05 to 7.0 hectares, primarily managed by male producers (93%) with an average age of 48 years and 6 years of schooling. Planting densities range from 35,000 to 100,000 plants per hectare, and leaf cutting is conducted on a quarterly basis, yielding between 1000 to 3700 rolls per hectare at an average price of $14.00 Mexican pesos per roll paid to the producer. Prior to cultivating Camedor palm, 56% of producers were growing coffee. The main driving factor for cultivation is the steady generation of income. Limitations/Implications: This is a specific case study; therefore, the results are limited to descriptive statements about the study area. Findings/Conclusions: Producers utilize non-timber forest products as alternatives to crises in other crops and investment constraints within production units. The production of C. elegans is accessible, requires low investment, and is compatible with family farming. However, yields in some cases are low, and the marketing network shows high intermediation.

PRESENCE OF ANTI-NEOSPORA CANINUM ANTIBODIES IN TEMAZATE DEER (MAZAMA TEMAMA) AND WHITE-TAILED DEER (ODOCOILEUS VIRGINIANUS) FROM THE CENTRAL REGION OF VERACRUZ, MEXICO.

This study documents the presence of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies and their association with certain risk factors in 2 deer species from the central region of Veracruz State, Mexico. A total of 90 blood samples, 20 from temazate deer (Mazama temama) and 70 from white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), were taken from 3 farms, and serum samples were subjected to ELISA indirect test to detect N. caninum antibodies; the association between the serological status and the possible risk factors was then estimated. The overall presence of anti-N. caninum antibodies was 57.7% (52/90; 95% CI 46.9-67.9), with positive animals identified on all farms; in white-tailed deer it was 57% and in temazate deer 60%. Prevalence was higher in females than males. Adult animals had a higher prevalence than young ones. The risk analysis identified the age in the adult animal category (odds ratio 5.8) as being associated with the presence of anti-N. caninum antibodies. These results provide evidence of the significant contamination of oocysts in the environment and allow us to estimate the contribution of deer to the sylvatic cycle.

A new species of broad-leafed Anthurium (Araceae) from the central region of Veracruz, Mexico

We describe and illustrate Anthurium tiswatl, a new species of Anthurium sect. Andiphilum from Veracruz, Mexico. It is morphologically similar to A. macdougallii, but differs from that species in having long cataphylls, blades and spadix, collective veins arising from the first or fifth pairs of basal veins, and yellowish to whitish berries when ripe.

La creación sonora de la comunidad jaranera: Reflexiones y análisis sobre la práctica del son jarocho en la frontera Tijuana-San Diego

This article reflects on the collective practice of the son jarocho onthe Tijuana-San Diego border. Interviews and participant observation at places where the son jarocho is played point to music and sound production’s role in forging a sense of community among the players of this musical genre that hastaken root on the U.S.-Mexican border in the past two decades. In addition to the findings of research conducted between 2020 and 2022 in this border area, the discussion includes information gathered over at least three decades in the Veracruz region, Mexico City, and other countries. Finally, in order to revealhow this particular music is conceived as an alternative to the daily experience of living along the border, musician testimonies shed light on the history of this music along the border.

Isolation and Characterization of fungal pathogens associated with Carica papaya L. and their biocontrol with Trichoderma sp.

Objective: In this work, we undertook the task of isolating and identifying Fusarium obtained from papaya fruits grown in the Veracruz region and carried out antibiotic tests to find a beneficial fungus that could exert biological control. Methodology: Juvenile fruits with necrosis and rot were collected from papaya plants of the Maradol variety, from here the pathogenic fungi were obtained, which were morphologically and molecularly characterized using the ITS gene. Subsequently, the isolated pathogenic fungi were confronted with the Trichoderma sp fungus. Results: Ten isolates were obtained, of which four were Fusarium solani. From the confrontations, a 66% to 100% percentage of inhibition in these pathogenic fungi was obtained. Limitations of the study: It is proposed that future evaluations carry out long-term follow-ups to evaluate the persistence and effectiveness of biological control. Findings/conclusions: Timely identification of pathogens could represent a biological control strategy in disease management programs.

Mountain caves of the central region of Veracruz: A vertebrate biodiversity reservoir in a Neotropical hotspot.

The mountain region of central Veracruz, Mexico hosts a large system of karst and volcanic caves that are unexplored. In particular, the vertebrates that inhabit these subterranean ecosystems are unknown. This study evaluated the diversity of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish in three environments (euphotic, disphotic, and aphotic) of 16 caves of different geological origin (12 karst caves and 4 volcanic caves) distributed along an altitudinal gradient (300-2400 m a.s.l.). We found a richness of 242 vertebrate species (184 birds, 30 mammals, 15 reptiles, 12 amphibians, and 1 fish) and an abundance of a total of 11,323 individuals (4,969 mammals, 6,483 birds, 36 reptiles, 27 amphibians, and 5 fish). The richness of all vertebrate classes was higher in karst than in volcanic caves. Vertebrate diversity was also higher at mid-altitudes between 600-899 m a.s.l. Diversity varied between environments, where bird and reptile richness was higher in the euphotic environment, while mammal and amphibian diversity was higher in the aphotic environment. The similarity in the composition of vertebrate species does not depend on the distance between karstic and volcanic caves. Volcanic and karst caves shared on average up to 70% and 55% of vertebrate species, which indicates that only 30% and 45% of species, respectively, is different in each cave type. Given the vulnerability and fragility of these subterranean ecosystems, as well as the important diversity that they contain, we recommend including the caves of the central region of Veracruz in the conservation agenda of local governments and communities. Community-based conservation can help ensure the presence of vertebrate species in the caves of this region.

Antiproliferative and Antibacterial Activity of Polyporoid Fungi from Veracruz, Mexico.

Polyporoid fungi represent a vast source of bioactive compounds with potential pharmacological applications. The importance of polyporoid fungi in traditional Chinese medicine has led to an extensive use of some species of Ganoderma for promoting health and longevity because their consumption is associated with several bioactivities. Nevertheless, bioactivity of some other members of the Polyporaceae family has also been reported. This work reports the antiproliferative and antibacterial activity of crude extracts obtained from fruiting bodies of polypore fungi collected from the central region of Veracruz, Mexico, aimed at understanding the diversity of polypore species with potential pharmacological applications. 29 collections were identified macro- and microscopically in 19 species of polyporoid fungi, belonging to 13 genera. The antiproliferative activity screening of extracts against solid tumor cell lines (A549, SW1573, HeLa, HBL-100, T-47D, WiDr) allow us to identify four extracts with strong bioactivity [half-maximal growth inhibition (GI50) ≤ 50 μg/mL]. After this, a phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequences from the ITS region obtained from bioactive specimens allowed us to identify three extracts as Pycnoporus sanguineus (GI50 = ≤ 10 μg/mL) and the fourth bioactive extract as Ganoderma oerstedii (GI50 = < 50 μg/mL. Likewise, extracts from P. sanguineus showed mild or moderate antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Xanthomonas albilineas. Bioprospecting studies of polyporoid fungi add to the knowledge of the diversity of macrofungi in Mexico and allow us to select one of the bioactive P. sanguineus to continue the pursuit of bioactive compounds through mycochemical studies.

Distribution, eco-climatic characterization and modelling of suitable soursop cultivation zones in Mexico

Soursop (Annona muricata L.) is a tropical fruit tree highly valued for its organoleptic characteristics, and is the most important Annonaceae species in Mexico. This study aimed to generate maps of the natural geographic and eco-climatic distribution where soursop grows in Mexico, and to model potential zones according to climate change scenarios estimated for 2050. The natural distribution model showed that this species is found in most tropical and some subtropical areas of Mexico. This fruit tree grows in three different eco-climatic regions (two tropical and one temperate): Aw1 (found on the edges of the Balsas basin, and in the south, southeast and central north of the Veracruz region, as well as in the center of the Mexican Pacific coast), Am (north and central south of the Veracruz region, and the Yucatán peninsula) and C(w0) (east of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt). Modelling of suitable climate adaptation zones showed that the Pacific coast of Mexico and Veracruz, as well as some areas of the Balsas basin and the Yucatán peninsula, have potential for soursop cultivation. Likewise, in the scenario of global climate change, beneficial effects on the adaptation of this species are predicted.

PLANT PARASITIC NEMATODES ASSOCIATED WITH TREE TOMATO (Solanum betaceum Cav.) IN TLACOLULAN AND XALAPA, VERACRUZ, MEXICO

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Tree tomato (&lt;em&gt;Solanum betaceum&lt;/em&gt; Cav.) is a plant introduced to Mexico since colonial times, currently it is found as a crop in backyard orchards in the central mountainous region of Veracruz. Due to its nutraceutical properties, its cultivation is gaining importance worldwide and spreading. However, since there are no established formal crops in Mexico, there are no studies on the pests that may affect the development of this plant. &lt;strong&gt;Objective: &lt;/strong&gt;To identify the plant-parasitic nematodes associated with the rhizospheric soil and root, as well as the determine their abundance in tree tomato plants, located in the Tlacolulan and Xalapa municipalities, in Veracruz state. &lt;strong&gt;Methodology:&lt;/strong&gt; The nematodes were extracted from the soil and roots, fixed, clarified, mounted for identification at the genus level, and quantified. &lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; 704 specimens belonging to 14 genera were identified: &lt;em&gt;Criconema, Criconemoides, Filenchus, Fraglenchus, Gracilacus, Helicotylenchus, Malenchus, Meloidogyne, Ogma, Paratylenchus, Pratylenchus, Pratylenchoides, Sakia, &lt;/em&gt;and&lt;em&gt; Thada&lt;/em&gt;. The most abundant nematodes were &lt;em&gt;Helicotylenchus&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;Meloidogyne.&lt;/em&gt; &lt;strong&gt;Implications:&lt;/strong&gt; Since in five samples we found &lt;em&gt;Meloidogyne&lt;/em&gt; individuals, a diagnosis must be made prior to the establishment of new crops to avoid the increase in populations that can affect the performance of the plants. &lt;strong&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;em&gt;Criconema, Filenchus, Fraglenchus, Malenchus, Ogma, Pratylenchoides, Sakia, &lt;/em&gt;and&lt;em&gt; Thada&lt;/em&gt; are recorded for the first time associated with this plant. &lt;/p&gt;

Medusozoans of Tuxpan, Veracruz, Gulf of Mexico

Except for true jellyfish (Scyphozoa), other medusozoans are poorly known in the northern region of Veracruz, Mexico. The present study provides an updated list of the medusozoans, their taxonomical descriptions, species richness, and community structure seasonal variations in the Tampamachcoco lagoon and the neritic zone off the Tuxpan coast, Veracruz, Mexico. Plankton collections were carried out in coastal ecosystems during the Nortes (cold front; October 2018) and dry (June 2019) periods using a conical net with a 70 cm diameter and 250μm mesh size. Nineteen species, 12 families, six orders, and two classes (Scyphozoa and Hydrozoa) were identified. Geographic distribution of the siphonophore Chelophyes contorta for the Gulf of Mexico expanded from the Caribbean Sea to the Gulf of Mexico. The highest medusozoan richness was recorded in the neritic zone, with 13 species, of which nine species belonged to Siphonophora. In contrast, only two scyphozoans and five hydrozoans were recorded in the Tampamachoco lagoon. In the neritic zone, changes were found in the composition and density of medusozoans between the Nortes and dry periods. This could be related to the cold and warm waters in these climatic periods that affect the medusozoan’s community structure. We recommend conducting detailed studies on the effects of environmental variables on the richness and community structure of medusozoans in the region.

How Important Are Fog and the Cloud Forest as a Water Supply in Eastern Mexico?

The water balance is the volume of water flowing through the hydrological cycle, and one of its main components is fog. Fog is considered a type of low-lying cloud and is heavily influenced by water bodies, topography, and wind conditions. Fog incorporates water from the atmosphere to the terrestrial surface and for some ecosystems (e.g., cloud forests) represents a great water contribution. In this work, we aimed to answer the following questions: (1) What is the fog-water contribution to the water balance? (2) How does the presence of vegetation affect the water supply to the ecosystem? We took as a case study the Central Mountain Region of Veracruz, in eastern Mexico, and measured components of the water balance; this included precipitation (gross and net), fog water, interception, transpiration, evapotranspiration, and condensation, and we estimated water gain and loss of the water balance. We registered 510 precipitation events distributed throughout the year with three peaks (October, May, and January). Of these, 386 were fog events, 41 were rain events, and 83 were events combining fog and rain. Fog had a substantial contribution of water to the system, with a volume 22 times greater than that of rain (4311.14 mm vs. 197.5 mm). From the total water gain, the highest proportion (91%) was contributed by fog interception. Fog was considered a constant source of moisture throughout the year; however, water intercepted during the dry season was higher (56%) compared with the wet season (36%). Our results highlight the importance of the fog as a source of water for the region.

Governance, habitat and participation. Archipelago of forests and jungles of the Capital Region of Veracruz

En la búsqueda de estrategias para el manejo adecuado de áreas naturales protegidas, esta investigación se encamina a establecer parámetros socioespaciales en la interfase urbano-rural y su transformación del medio natural al antrópico. Se analiza específicamente la Zona Metropolitana de Xalapa, Veracruz, pues en esta área existe una estrecha relación entre los asentamientos humanos y un área natural protegida que enmarca la mancha urbana. El objetivo es definir estrategias de transformación espacial a través de la participación, la gestión y la gobernanza, para fomentar un desarrollo integral sostenido, mediante el uso de metodologías mixtas en temas de hábitat, habitabilidad y desarrollo en el estudio del Corredor Biológico Multifuncional de la Región Capital del Estado de Veracruz (CBMRCEV). Como conclusiones se presentan evidencias de la construcción social de la identidad a través de un proceso paulatino, donde destaca el desarrollo integral y se fortalece el autoconsumo, la autogestión y el autodesarrollo.

Evaluation of recent land-use and land-cover change in a mountain region.

Mountain regions are vital to the provision of ecosystem services. “Cofre de Perote” volcano is the eighth highest mountain in Mexico and provides various goods and services to the people living in the central region of Veracruz. Despite being a protected area as a national park, it shows processes of landscape change in recent years. We mapped land-use and land-cover changes (LULCC) based on remote sensing data (Sentinel-2) from 2017 and 2021. The best classifier was the support vector machine with an overall accuracy value of 0.908 ± 0.003 and 0.916 ± 0.004 for 2017 and 2021, respectively. We estimated that 21.77% of the area changed in only four years. The main trajectory of change was from forests to agricultural, with an area of ​​1224.81 ha and an annual rate of change of -2.39%. Updating knowledge on the dynamics of LULCC will allow better conservation actions for the mountain ecosystems.

Two new species of Cyperus (Cyperaceae) from Mexico and Venezuela

Based on study of herbarium specimens, Cyperus rosattii is described as a new species from Venezuela. Known from a single collection from the Orinoco lowlands, it appears to be most similar to Cyperus swartzii and C. aggregatus. Similarly, Cyperus gonzaleziae is described as a new species from eastern Mexico (coastal region of Veracruz); it appears to be most similar to C. pallidicolor and C. regiomontanus.