Una nueva especie del grupo Liolaemus elongatus (Iguania: Liolaemidae) de la provincia de Neuquén, Argentina, con comentarios sobre su morfología genital

The Liolaemus elongatus group is a group of lizards that ranges from northwestern Argentina to the southern Patagonian steppe. In this study, we describe a new species of the L. elongatus group. The new taxon is distributed in the vicinity of L. burmeisteri, L. crandalli, L. gununakuna, L. punmahuida and L. tregenzai, and posseses a combination of unique character states and morphological characters that allows its formal description as a new species. The morphological evidence provides strong support that the population under study corresponds to a new taxon. With the description of the new species, the number of members of the L. elongatus group rises to twenty-two, but many populations likely represent undescribed species.El grupo de Liolaemus elongatus es un grupo de lagartijas que se distribuye desde el noroeste de Argentina al sur de las estepas patagónicas. En el presente estudio, describimos una nueva especie perteneciente al grupo de L. elongatus. El nuevo taxón se distribuye en cercanías de L. burmeisteri, L. crandalli, L. gununakuna, L. punmahuida y L. tregenzai, y la combinación de caracteres morfológicos en lepidosis y morfométricos permite describirla como nueva especie. La evidencia morfológica aporta un fuerte soporte que la población estudiada corresponde a un nuevo Liolaemus. Con la descripción de este nuevo taxón el número de especies del grupo de L. elongatus asciende a veintidós, aunque hay varias poblaciones que corresponden a especies no descritas.Asociación Herpetológica Argentin

Techniques used to identify the Brazilian variant of HIV-1 subtype B

The purpose of the present study was to compare the sensitivity and specificity of V3 enzyme immunoassay (solid phase EIA and EIA inhibition) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) with the DNA sequencing "gold standard" to identify the Brazilian HIV-1 variants of subtype B and B"-GWGR. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were collected from 61 HIV-1-infected individuals attending a clinic in São Paulo. Proviral DNA was amplified and sequentially cleaved with the Fok I restriction enzyme. Plasma samples were submitted to a V3-loop biotinylated synthetic peptide EIA. Direct partial DNA sequencing of the env gene was performed on all samples. Based on EIA results, the sensitivity for detecting B-GPGR was 70%, compared to 64% for the Brazilian variant B"-GWGR while, the specificity of B-GPGR detection was 85%, compared to 88% for GWGR. The assessment of RFLP revealed 68% sensitivity and 94% specificity for the B-GPGR strain compared to 84 and 90% for the B"-GWGR variant. Moreover, direct DNA sequencing was able to detect different base sequences corresponding to amino acid sequences at the tip of the V3 loop in 22 patients. These results show a similar performance of V3 serology and RLFP in identifying the Brazilian variant GWGR. However, V3 peptide serology may give indeterminate results. Therefore, we suggest that V3 serology be used instead of DNA sequencing where resources are limited. Samples giving indeterminate results by V3 peptide serology should be analyzed by direct DNA sequencing to distinguish between B-GPGR and the Brazilian variant B"-GWGR

First Evaluation of Associated Gut Microbiota in Wild Thick-Lipped Grey Mullets (Chelon labrosus, Risso 1827)

This study aimed to characterize the intestinal microbiota of wild thick-lipped grey mullets (Chelon labrosus) and explore its potential functionality on the host. Intestinal contents of anterior and posterior sections from wild fish were collected and DNA was extracted. Subsequently, the V3–V4 regions of 16S rRNA were sequenced using the Illumina technology and results were analyzed by bioinformatics pipeline. The functional profile of the microbial community was analyzed using PICRUSt software. Shannon and Simpson diversity indices were significantly higher in the posterior section of wild specimens. The overall taxonomic composition suggests a certain homogeneity in the anterior section of the intestine and heterogeneity in the posterior section. Due to this, no statistical differences were detected at any level among both intestinal sections. Predicted functions of intestinal microbiota showed the most abundant were those related to amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, energy metabolism, membrane transport, and cell replication and repair. Furthermore, the analysis revealed microbial functional genes related to the elimination of environmental toxins.This work was financed by the Project ‘Design and evaluation of probiotics and feed in uncoupled aquaponic system of fishes, plants and microalgae’ (grant #Agl-2017-83260R) granted by Agencia Estatal de Investigación (MINECO, Spanish Government), and by the Project Bluemaro (PID2020 116136 RB100) of the Ministry of Science and Innovation of Spain. Partial funding for open access charge: Universidad de Málag

Reptile species persistence under climate change and direct human threats in north-western Argentina

Protected areas have been established historically in residual places where the potential for extractive uses is low, implying that places at risk are usually underprotected. Argentina is no exception,with fewprotected areas established in productive regions that are prone to conversion. Here, using reptiles as a study group and considering the most important human threats in north-westernArgentina,we estimated priority conservation areas where we expect species to persist in the face of climate change and land conversion. Protected areas cover no more than 9% of the study region, but represent less than 15% of reptile distributions. There are great opportunities for improving the conservation status in the region by protecting only 8% more of north-western Argentina, with the level of species protection inside the protected area network increasing almost four-fold, reaching 43% of species distributions on average and 59% of the distributions of threatened reptiles. Fortunately, the highest diversity of reptiles in the region does not match the places targeted for agriculture expansion. Our findings suggest that future prioritization schemes should embrace other groups that are especially diverse in the Chaco ecoregion, which overlaps with our study area.FONCYT and SECYTUNC. RL’s research has been constantly funded by CNPq (grants #308532/2014-7, 479959/2013-7, 407094/2013-0 and 563621/2010-9), O Boticário Group Foundation for Nature Protection (grant #PROG_0008_2013) and CNCFlora. This paper is a contribution of the Brazilian Network on Global Climate Change Research funded by CNPq (grant #437167/2016-0) and FINEP (grant #01.13.0353.00). RLP acknowledges the support of the Australian Research Council

MODELO EXPERIMENTAL DE GLOMERULONEFRITIS MEMBRANOSA INDUCIDA CON ALBUMINA BOVINA

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue diseñar un modelo experimental de Glomerulonefritis Membranosa (GM) en ratas Wistar, inducida con Seroalbúmina Bovina (BSA), y validarlo mediante la determinación de parámetros bioquímicos, histológicos, ultraestructurales y detección de inmunocomplejos por inmunofluorescencia (IF). Los animales del grupo experimental fueron inmunizados por vía subcutánea, con dosis de 3 mg c/u de BSA/PBS con adyuvante de Freund. Se efectuaron diferentes esquemas de inmunización. Cuando el título de anticuerpos fue ≥1/2, comenzó la administración diaria de 2 mg, por vía endovenosa de BSA/PBS, durante 15 días. Se evaluó la funcionalidad renal por la proteinuria; después de la 5° semana, desde su aparición, se determinó: depuración (clearance) de creatinina, uremia, proteinemia y perfil lipídico. Los dos riñones se usaron para estudios histológicos, ultraestructurales y detección de inmunocomplejos por IF. Los resultados mostraron que la inmunización fue efectiva con 5 R E S U M E N inoculaciones c/15 días. En los animales nefróticos la proteinuria, depuración (clearance) de creatinina, proteinemia , uremia y el perfil lipídico presentaron alteraciones significativas (p<0.0001). Al microscopio óptico se observó hipercelularidad, engrosamiento difuso de las membranas basales de los capilares glomerulares y diferentes grados de atrofia, esclerosis e hialinización de los glomérulos. Por IF se detectó inmunocomplejos IgG en el 100 % de los glomérulos. Ultraestructuralmente, se observaron depósitos subepiteliales electrodensos en la membrana basal engrosada, compatibles con inmunocomplejos . Se encontraron alteraciones en la estructura de los podocitos. En conclusión, los estudios bioquímicos, estructurales y ultraestructurales permitieron inferir la inducción de un síndrome nefrótico experimental. Concluimos que el protocolo utilizado tiene validez para la inducción de una glomerulonefritis membranosa en ratas Wistar

Study on the antioxidant and antitumoral activity of propolis

Introducción: El propóleo es la sustancia que protege a la colmena, es una resina de composición compleja y viscosa que las abejas utilizan en la reparación y protección de la colmena. El material del que procede el propóleo son las resinas, brotes y pecíolos de las hojas de diferentes vegetales, por ello presenta una composición química muy compleja que varía en función de la flora de recolección de las abejas. Posee capacidad antimicrobiana, antiinflamatoria que está relacionada con su poder antioxidante, inmunomoduladora, entre otras. Objetivos: En este trabajo se estudian las actividades antioxidantes y antitumorales de propóleos de distintas zonas de la provincia de Málaga comparándolos con uno de la región de Bohemia al sur de la República Checa. Material y métodos: La actividad antioxidante se evaluó según el método ABTS+/S2 O8 K2 . Además se estimó la cantidad de proteínas totales a partir del contenido de nitrógeno y posteriormente se determinó la citotoxicidad y actividad antitumoral del propóleo del Puerto de la Torre, al norte de Málaga, según el método del bromuro de 3-(4,5-dimetiltiazol-2-il)-2,5-difenil tetrazolio. Resultados: Se observó que el propóleo presenta una elevada actividad antioxidante, aunque tiene una menor cantidad de proteínas. El propóleo presenta elevada toxicidad y mayor actividad antitumoral frente al cáncer de colon que al de leucemia. Conclusión: Con todos estos datos obtenidos se puede concluir que el propóleo presenta diferentes actividades de interés para la industria alimentaria o cosmética, entre las que destaca su elevado poder antioxidante y su capacidad como antitumoral.Introduction: Propolis is the substance that protects the hive, a resin of complex and viscous composition bees use in the repair and protection of the hive. The material from which propolis arises are the resins, shoots and petioles of the leaves of different plants, so it has a very complex chemical composition that varies depending on the flora of the bees collection. It offers an antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory capacity related to its antioxidant, immunomodulatory power, among others. Aims: In this work, antioxidant and antitumoral activities of different propolis collected from different areas of the province of Malaga, comparing them with one from the Bohemian region to the south of the Czech Republic are studied. Material and methods: Antioxidant activity was determined according to the ABTS+/S2 O8 K2 method. In addition, the quantity of total proteins from the nitrogen content and subsequently the cytotoxicity and antitumoral activity of the propolis of Puerto de la Torre, north of Malaga, are measured according to the 3-(4,5-dimetiltiazol-2-il)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide method. Results: It was observed that propolis has high antioxidant activity, although it has a lower amount of proteins. Propolis has high toxicity and higher antitumoral activity against colon cancer than leukemia. Discussion: With all these data, it can be concluded that propolis offers different activities of interest, for the food and cosmetic industry, among which the high antioxidant and antitumoral capacity

Estudio de la actividad antioxidante y antitumoral del propóleo

Introduction: Propolis is the substance that protects the hive, a resin of complex and viscous composition bees use in the repair and protection of the hive. The material from which propolis arises are the resins, shoots and petioles of the leaves of different plants, so it has a very complex chemical composition that varies depending on the flora of the bees collection. It offers an antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory capacity related to its antioxidant, immunomodulatory power, among others. Aims: In this work, antioxidant and antitumoral activities of different propolis collected from different areas of the province of Malaga, comparing them with one from the Bohemian region to the south of the Czech Republic are studied. Material and methods: Antioxidant activity was determined according to the ABTS+/S2O8K2 method. In addition, the quantity of total proteins from the nitrogen content and subsequently the cytotoxicity and antitumoral activity of the propolis of Puerto de la Torre, north of Malaga, are measured according to the 3-(4,5-dimetiltiazol-2-il)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide method. Results: It was observed that propolis has high antioxidant activity, although it has a lower amount of proteins. Propolis has high toxicity and higher antitumoral activity against colon cancer than leukemia. Discussion: With all these data, it can be concluded that propolis offers different activities of interest, for the food and cosmetic industry, among which the high antioxidant and antitumoral capacity.Introducción: El propóleo es la sustancia que protege a la colmena, es una resina de composición compleja y viscosa que las abejas utilizan en la reparación y protección de la colmena. El material del que procede el propóleo son las resinas, brotes y pecíolos de las hojas de diferentes vegetales, por ello presenta una composición química muy compleja que varía en función de la flora de recolección de las abejas. Posee capacidad antimicrobiana, antiinflamatoria que está relacionada con su poder antioxidante, inmunomoduladora, entre otras. Objetivos: En este trabajo se estudian las actividades antioxidantes y antitumorales de propóleos de distintas zonas de la provincia de Málaga comparándolos con uno de la región de Bohemia al sur de la República Checa. Material y métodos: La actividad antioxidante se evaluó según el método ABTS+/S2O8K2. Además se estimó la cantidad de proteínas totales a partir del contenido de nitrógeno y posteriormente se determinó la citotoxicidad y actividad antitumoral del propóleo del Puerto de la Torre, al norte de Málaga, según el método del bromuro de 3-(4,5-dimetiltiazol-2-il)-2,5-difenil tetrazolio. Resultados: Se observó que el propóleo presenta una elevada actividad antioxidante, aunque tiene una menor cantidad de proteínas. El propóleo presenta elevada toxicidad y mayor actividad antitumoral frente al cáncer de colon que al de leucemia. Conclusión: Con todos estos datos obtenidos se puede concluir que el propóleo presenta diferentes actividades de interés para la industria alimentaria o cosmética, entre las que destaca su elevado poder antioxidante y su capacidad como antitumoral

Drogas utilizadas por jovens de Brasília

In the present paper, the responses to some openquestions included in a survey about the Knowledge and use ofsubstances among students in Brasilia, conducted during 1986, areanalysed. The inhalant substances are reported as the more frequentlyconsumed products, followed by use of substances in group ofpsychotropic agents. As more easily obtained drugs, marinuana, "loló","glue" and cocaine ar considered. The discrepancies between their useand the opinions regarding the easiness in obtaining them are explainedwith reference to the stereotype of social representation, which considersas "drugs" only the illicit or illegal products, it is concluded that any stepswhich are to be taken to affect the "drug problem" have to take into&nbsp;account the overall socio-economic situation in which it occurs, thepersonal motivations and the incentives to the user's aptitudes by society,instead of focusing only on the availability of the product, in a model ofrepessive approach.RESUMO - No presente trabalho são analisadas as respostas a algumas questões abertas, inseridas em um levantamento sobre conhecimentos e uso de drogas entre alunos de Brasília, feito em 1986. Os inalantes são citados como os produtos mais consumidos, seguidos peto grupo dos medicamentos. Como drogas mais fáceis de serem obtidas, são consideradas a maconha, a loló, as colas e a cocaína. A discrepância entre o uso e as opiniões sobre a facilidade de aquisição é explicada com referência ao estereótipo da representação social, que considera como drogas apenas os produtos ilegais. Conclui-se que qualquer medida que queira intervir no problema de drogas, tem que levar em conta o contexto sócio-econômico, as motivações pessoais e as estimulações sociais, ao invés de focalizar apenas a presença do produto, em uma abordagem repressiva