Phylogeny, Biogeography and Systematics of Loasaceae subfam. Loasoideae

Loasaceae subfam. Loasoideae is a mostly South American group of angiosperms that reaches its highest diversity in the Andean mountain ranges but also extends into Central America, Africa and Oceania. Although some molecular studies dealing with the relationships of this clade have been published previously, none has provided satisfactorily resolved phylogenetic reconstructions for the whole subfamily, with several groups showing poorly supported relationships. At the same time no quantitative historical biogeography studies have been attempted for the entirety of the subfamily. The aims of this thesis include to clarify the phylogenetic relationships of the genera of Loasaceae subfam. Loasoideae, including extensive taxonomic sampling covering every major clade in the subfamily, with special emphasis on Nasa and the South Andean Loasas clade. Based on the phylogenetic results, to address the historical biogeography of Loasaceae subfam. Loasoideae, and to identify and solve the major discrepancies between the currently accepted taxonomy and the molecular phylogenetic results. Using plastid markers (trn L- trnF, matK, trnS-trnG and rps16) and ITS, Bayesian inference and Maximum likelihood approaches were used to reconstruct the phylogeny of Loasaceae subfam. Loasoideae. Divergence times were estimated using an uncorrelated relaxed molecular clock approach and estimation of the ancestral ranges of the subfamily was attempted employing Dispersal-Extinction-Cladogenesis. To reconstruct the possible ancestral ecologies of Nasa Ancestral character estimation was employed. The results in this thesis show that that sects. Angulatae and Gripidea are more closely related to Blumenbachia than to Caiophora, that Loasa sers. Volubiles +Acaules and L. ser. Pinnatae are phylogentically closer to Caiophora and Scyphanthus than to Loasa that L. ser. Malesherbioideae is more closely related to Presliophytum than to Loasa and that Chichicaste is nested in Aosa. Four well supported clades of Nasa were retrieved. The majority of the species of each clade share similar morphologies, although not a single autoapomorphy would apply to all the species within a clade, with some subclades differing dramatically from their closest relatives. The geographical structure of the molecular data and discordance between morphology and phylogenetic position of some species, suggest reticulate evolution. The most relevant taxonomic outcomes from this research include the segregation of two new genera (Grausa and Pinnasa) from Loasa the synonymization of Chichicaste with Aosa and the respective revisions of deserticolous Presliophytum and Kissenia with detailed descriptions of the species as well as data on morphology, distribution and ecology are provided. Historical Biogeography research indicates that Loasoideae could have diverged from its sister group in the Late Cretaceous-early Paleocene (83–62 Ma). Most extant genera-level clades, diverged from their sister groups by the Eocene, preceding the Andean orogenic events. Divergence within extant lineages appears to have happened more or less parallel to Andean uplift pulses and most genus level clades have had limited dispersal beyond areas adjacent to their ancestral area. For Nasa, the divergence of the four main clades from each other took place between ca. 29-9 Ma. The Amotape-Huancabamba-Zone and Central Andes were retrieved as the most probable ancestral area for the genus. Dispersal into the Northern Andes was detected independently eight times. Estimations on Nasa ancestral ecology indicate that the whole genus and most of the major clades have been restricted to intermediate elevation, seasonally dry Andean scrub habitats during most of their early histories. Finally it was found that phylogenetic effect on the thigmonastic patterns of stamen movement in Loasoideae is minor compared to the effect of the main pollinator-guilds to which the taxa are adapted. Thigmonastic pollen presentation in Loasoideae could thus be another dimension in the complex plant-pollinator interactions in this clade

Ricciocarpos natans (Marchantiophyta, Ricciaceae), nueva para Costa Rica, con una revisión de su presencia en América Latina

Background and Aims: Ricciocarpos natans is one of the few species of truly aquatic hepatics. It has a subcosmopolitan distribution and appears to be more common in temperate areas. The species has been considered to be very rare in Central America where it was known only from Panama. The objective of this study is to report the presence of this species in Costa Rica and to survey its current distribution in Latin America. Methods: We provide an overview of the distribution of the floating aquatic liverwort Ricciocarpos natans in Latin America based on literature, herbarium specimens and unequivocal photographic records across the region, as well as field work in Costa Rica. Key results: Ricciocarpos natans is reported as new for Costa Rica. We provide the most complete survey to date of the geographic distribution of the species in Latin America. Conclusions: Our survey shows that Ricciocarpos natans appears to be more common and widely distributed in the Neotropics than previously assumed. Its assumed rarity seems to be the result of insufficient collection efforts.Antecedentes y Objetivos: Ricciocarpos natans es una de las pocas especies de hepáticas verdaderamente acuáticas. Tiene una distribución subcosmopolita y parece ser más común en áreas templadas. La especie ha sido considerada muy rara en América Central, donde solo se conocía de Panamá. El objetivo de este estudio es reportar la presencia de esta especie en Costa Rica y revisar su distribución en América Latina.Métodos: Brindamos una descripción general de la distribución de la hepática acuática flotante Ricciocarpos natans en América Latina con base en la literatura, especímenes de herbario y registros fotográficos inequívocos en toda la región, así como trabajo de campo en Costa Rica.Resultados clave: Ricciocarpos natans se reporta como nueva para Costa Rica. Brindamos el estudio más completo hasta la fecha de la distribución geográfica de la especie en América Latina.Conclusiones: Nuestro estudio muestra que Ricciocarpos natans parece ser más común y más ampliamente distribuida en el Neotrópico de lo que se suponía anteriormente. Su supuesta rareza parece ser el resultado de esfuerzos de recolección insuficientes

A new striking and critically endangered species of Nasa (Loasaceae, Cornales) from North Peru

Nasa angeldiazioides sp. nov. is described and illustrated. The species is restricted to two forest remnants on the western slope of the northern Peruvian Andes (Dept. Lambayeque) where it is found in the undergrowth of primary forest. The new taxon shows a unique leaf morphology in the family Loasaceae. Molecular and morphological data show that the new species belongs to the Nasa triphylla group. Since the relic forests of the north-western Andes are increasingly threatened by the effects of climate change, i.e. droughts and wildfires, the new species already faces imminent extinction

Notas sobre la distribución de Brasenia schreberi (Cabombaceae) en el Neotrópico, con un nuevo registro para Costa Rica

La investigación contó con el patrocinio de la Sra. Myrna Stewart y la Sra. Amanda Bennett.We studied herbarium specimens of Brasenia schreberi from the Neotropics in order to describe the distribution pattern of the species across the region. Also, we report the first records of B. schreberi for Costa Rica. We confirm that B. schreberi has a sporadic pattern of distribution in the region and also in most neotropical countries where it has been collected. For this reason and because of its apparent disappearance from some localities, we recommend B. schreberi to be considered Vulnerable in the Neotropics.Estudiamos especímenes de herbario de Brasenia schreberi recolectados en el Neotrópico para describir el patrón de distribución de la especie en la región. Además, registramos aquí por primera vez la presencia de B. schreberi en Costa Rica. Podemos confirmar que B. schreberi tiene un patrón de distribución esporádico en la región y también en la mayoría de los países neotropicales donde se ha recolectado. Por esta razón, y por su aparente desaparición de algunas localidades, recomendamos que B. schreberi se considere como Vulnerable en el Neotrópico.Universidad de Costa Rica/[111-C0-255]/UCR/Costa RicaUCR::Vicerrectoría de Docencia::Ciencias Básicas::Facultad de Ciencias::Escuela de BiologíaUCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias Básicas::Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Ecología Tropical (CIBET

HAp Nanofibers Grown with Crystalline Preferential Orientation and Its Influence in Mechanical Properties of Organic-Inorganic Composite Materials

There are several synthesis techniques to obtain hydroxyapatite (HAp). Some use surfactant agents, amino acids or halogen salts to control structural nucleation and crystal growth. In others, the use of hydrothermal process to carry out the reaction is effective for HAp synthesis. Microwave-assisted hydrothermal method (MAHM) has been successfully applied in the synthesis of HAp nanostructures, which present well-defined morphologies, high crystallinity and high purity. This is important because nano-HAp is attracting interest as a biomaterial for use in prosthetic applications due to its similarity in size, crystallinity and chemical composition with human hard tissue. In this chapter, developments in obtaining HAp nanofibers, with a crystal growth with preferential orientation, as well as morphology control achieved by using the MAHM is discussed. Also, the synthesized fibers were used to cast ceramics with controlled and interconnected porosity through the modified gelcasting process. Then, these HAp ceramics were impregnated with a water solution of gelatin in order to obtain an organic-inorganic composite material, similar to natural bone tissue. The maximum compressive strengths were determined and the composite materials showed mechanical properties that make them suitable to be used as bone tissue implants

Homenaje a Leonardo Polo

1 documento en PDF de 15 páginas.Este libro reúne diferentes artículos que ahondan en el concepto de abandono del límite mental, estipulado por Leonardo Polo, el filósofo español del siglo XX que ha propuesto una novedosa teoría del conocimiento de signo realista, la cual incluye el descubrimiento del límite mental.Semblanza de Leonardo Polo Presentación ESTUDIOS SOBRE EL PENSAMIENTO FILOSÓFICO DE LEONARDO POLO Capítulo 1. Importancia de la filosofía de Leonardo Polo en la historia del Pensamiento humano y en nuestro momento actual Juan A. García González Capítulo 2. El método de la metafísica: la propuesta de Leonardo Polo Juan José Sanguineti Capítulo 3. El abandono del límite mental como método para la filosofía: libre glosa al planteamiento de Leonardo Polo Jorge Mario Posada Capítulo 4. El principio de causalidad como vigencia entre los primeros principios Rafael Corazón González Capítulo 5. Las dualidades en las ciencias humanas: un intento de fundamentación, jerárquicamente ordenado, de los saberes humanísticos según Leonardo Polo Juan Fernando Sellés Capítulo 6. Buscad mi rostro: el conocimiento humano de Dios según Leonardo Polo Hernán Salcedo Plazas AVANCES DE INVESTIGACIÓN SOBRE DIVERSOS ASPECTOS DE LA REALIDAD HUMANA A LA LUZ DEL PENSAMIENTO DE LEONARDO POLO Capítulo 7. Persona y verdad en la filosofía de Leonardo Polo: los barruntos de la persona en los socráticos Genara Castillo Capítulo 8. Los implícitos de la noción de ‘noúmeno’ Rafael Reyna Fortes Capítulo 9. Temas centrales para los empresarios: persona, ética, innovación y emprendimiento. La propuesta de Leonardo Polo Silvia Carolina Martino Capítulo 10. ¿Puede hablarse de espiritualidad en las organizaciones y en una escuela de administración? Gustavo González Coutur

RESPUESTAS FISIOLÓGICAS DE HIBISCUS ROSA-SINENSIS L. (MALVACEAE) EN EL CERRO “EL AGUSTINO”, LIMA, PERÚ

Se evaluaron las respuestas fisiológicas de Hibiscus rosa sinensis L. (Malvaceae) durante abril a junio del 2010. Cuatro plantas cultivadas sobre suelo agrícola introducido en el cerro “El Agustino”, distrito del Agustino, Lima, Perú se seleccionaron al azar. Durante el periodo de evaluación se observó un descenso de la temperatura del aire de 29,4ºC a 17,2ºC y la humedad relativa aumentó de 40,5% a 79,7%. La temperatura registrada en el área foliar mostró sólo un ligero descenso de 23,8ºC a 16,5ºC en comparación a la temperatura del aire. El suelo se caracterizó por ser arenoso con un pH de 7,8 y una conductividad eléctrica de 2,1 mS. Una sola vez se registró riego por inundación, el pH del agua de regadío fue de 8,4 y su conductividad de 0,4 mS. El contenido relativo de agua de las plantas disminuyó semanalmente de 55,3% a 33,8%, mientras el porcentaje de estomas abiertos se incrementó de 73% a 83%. La relación de clorofila a/b fue de 2 y el producto de biomasa vegetal fue del 25%. Finalmente se propone que probablemente H. rosa-sinensis realiza una regulación osmótica radicular para tolerar las condiciones ambientales del cerro

Caracterización de la red urbana y generación de modelo de proyección de viajes en la ciudad de Estelí, Nicaragua

The study aimed to characterize the urban network, model travel and make projections within the urban area in the city of Estelí, through household surveys and surveys of ups and downs. The urban route belonging to the Rosario was selected because it is the one that runs throughout the city. The following statistical travel model was obtained (number of trips made in one day) depends on age, income and the number of people living in a home, under the formula Y = 1.11 + 0.01 (age) - 5.57 * 10 -5 (income) +0.06 (number of people in the household) with p-value = 0.03. The 2.43 km stretch of road between the NACSA Tobacco Company and Las Segovias supermarket is the one with the highest demand with a value of 222,125 passengers per month. The most visited points are Universidad UNAN Managua FAREM - Estelí, tobacco factories and the San Juan de Dios Hospital, within the 53 existing stops. A proposal for a route change was also made in the principal avenues of the Estelícity, to reduce traffic congestion and a replacement analysis of electric bus units to improve supply, reduce environmental pollution and obtain better benefits; Economically speaking, the project proved convenient because a cost-benefit ratio of 1.35 and a net present value of C $56,951,947.10 was obtained, all with a total investment of C$ 59,427,675.00, recoverable in 1 year, 6 months and 8 days. In general, if the proposed models and solutions are applied, it will be possible to improve the urban transport system of the city of Estelí, increasing the quality of life of the inhabitants.El estudio tuvo como objetivo caracterizar la red urbana, modelar los viajes y realizar proyecciones dentro del casco urbano en la ciudad de Estelí, a través de encuestas al hogar y encuestas de sube y bajar de la ruta. Se seleccionó la ruta urbana perteneciente al barrio el Rosario por ser la que recorre toda la ciudad.  Se obtuvo el siguiente modelo estadístico de viaje (número de viajes realizados en un día) depende de la edad, los ingresos y la cantidad de personas que habitan en un domicilio, bajo la fórmula Y=1.11 + 0.01 (edad) - 5.57*10-5 (ingresos) +0.06 (cantidad de personas en el hogar) con p-valor = 0.03. El tramo vial de 2.43 km entre la tabacalera NACSA hasta el Supermercado las Segovias es el que tiene más demanda con un valor 222,125 pasajeros por mes. Los puntos más visitados son Universidad UNAN Managua FAREM - Estelí, fábricas de tabaco y el Hospital San Juan de Dios, dentro de las 53 paradas existentes. También se realizó una propuesta de cambio de ruta en  vías principales de la ciudad de Estelí, para disminuir el congestionamiento del tráfico y un análisis de reemplazo por  unidades de buses eléctricas para mejorar la oferta, disminuir la contaminación ambiental y obtener mejores beneficios; económicamente hablando el proyecto resultó ser conveniente porque se obtuvo una relación  beneficio-costo de 1.35 y un valor presente neto de C$56,951,947.10, todo ello con una inversión total de C$ 59,427,675.00, recuperable en 1 año, 6 meses y 8 días. En general, si se aplican los modelos y soluciones propuestas, será posible mejorar el sistema de transporte urbano de la ciudad de Estelí, incrementando la calidad de vida de los habitantes

The CARBA-MAP study: national mapping of carbapenemases in Spain (2014–2018)

Introduction:Infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) and carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, including isolates producing acquired carbapenemases, constitute a prevalent health problem worldwide. The primary objective of this study was to determine the distribution of the different carbapenemases among carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE, specifically Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae complex, and Klebsiella aerogenes) and carbapenemase-producing P. aeruginosa (CPPA) in Spain from January 2014 to December 2018.Methods: A national, retrospective, cross-sectional multicenter study was performed. The study included the first isolate per patient and year obtained from clinical samples and obtained for diagnosis of infection in hospitalized patients. A structured questionnaire was completed by the participating centers using the REDCap platform, and results were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 29.0.0.Results: A total of 2,704 carbapenemase-producing microorganisms were included, for which the type of carbapenemase was determined in 2692 cases: 2280 CPE (84.7%) and 412 CPPA (15.3%), most often using molecular methods and immunochromatographic assays. Globally, the most frequent types of carbapenemase in Enterobacterales and P. aeruginosa were OXA-48-like, alone or in combination with other enzymes (1,523 cases, 66.8%) and VIM (365 cases, 88.6%), respectively. Among Enterobacterales, carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae was reported in 1821 cases (79.9%), followed by E. cloacae complex in 334 cases (14.6%). In Enterobacterales, KPC is mainly present in the South and South-East regions of Spain and OXA-48-like in the rest of the country. Regarding P. aeruginosa, VIM is widely distributed all over the country. Globally, an increasing percentage of OXA-48-like enzymes was observed from 2014 to 2017. KPC enzymes were more frequent in 2017–2018 compared to 2014–2016.Discussion: Data from this study help to understand the situation and evolution of the main species of CPE and CPPA in Spain, with practical implications for control and optimal treatment of infections caused by these multi-drug resistant organisms

Improved functionalization of oleic acid-coated iron oxide nanoparticles for biomedical applications

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles can providemultiple benefits for biomedical applications in aqueous environments such asmagnetic separation or magnetic resonance imaging. To increase the colloidal stability and allow subsequent reactions, the introduction of hydrophilic functional groups onto the particles’ surface is essential. During this process, the original coating is exchanged by preferably covalently bonded ligands such as trialkoxysilanes. The duration of the silane exchange reaction, which commonly takes more than 24 h, is an important drawback for this approach. In this paper, we present a novel method, which introduces ultrasonication as an energy source to dramatically accelerate this process, resulting in high-quality waterdispersible nanoparticles around 10 nmin size. To prove the generic character, different functional groups were introduced on the surface including polyethylene glycol chains, carboxylic acid, amine, and thiol groups. Their colloidal stability in various aqueous buffer solutions as well as human plasma and serum was investigated to allow implementation in biomedical and sensing applications.status: publishe