Let $\Sigma_{g,r}^n$ be a connected orientable surface of genus $g$ with $r$ boundary components and $n$ punctures and let $\Gamma_{g,r}^n$ denote the mapping class group of $\Sigma_{g,r}^n$, namely the group of isotopy classes of orientation-preserving diffeomorphisms of $\Sigma_{g,r}^n$ which are the identity on the boundary and on the punctures. Here, we see the punctures on the surface as distinguished points. The isotopies are required to be the identity on the boundary and on the punctures. If $r$ and/or $n$ is zero, then we omit it from the notation.