Pre-dispersal seed loss in two Prosopis species (Fabacea: Mimosoidea) from the Monte Desert, Argentina

Los filtros impuestos sobre las semillas en la fase pre-dispersiva pueden alterar su probabilidad de ser dispersadas. Evaluamos la pérdida de semillas debido a la depredación por insectos y aborción durante la etapa predispersiva en dos especies: Prosopis flexuosa y P. chilensis. El estudio se realizó en dos áreas protegidas del Desierto del Monte. Colectamos frutos de ambas especies de Prosopis a partir de individuos adultos de dos parcelas y en dos años. Las muestras se colocaron en frascos de PVC transparentes almacenados en laboratorio a una temperatura estable (25 °C) y fotoperíodo natural durante 50 días, para determinar la emergencia de los insectos. Luego se abrieron los frutos y se examinó cada semilla para registrar su condición. La pérdida total de semillas fue del 32% en P. flexuosa y del 21% en P. chilensis. La depredación de semillas por insectos fue la fuente principal de pérdida de semillas (19% en P. flexuosa y del 14% en P. chilensis). Los depredadores más importantes fueron Apion sp. (Brentidae: Apioninae) en P. flexuosa, y brúquidos de distintas especies (Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) en P. chilensis. Algunos brúquidos depredan la semilla y emergen por un pequeño orificio al completar su ciclo, mientras que otros permanecen en el interior de la semilla (41% en P. flexuosa y del 49% en P. chilensis del total de semillas depredadas por brúquidos). La aborción fue la segunda fuente de pérdida predispersiva de semillas, en especial para P. flexuosa, aunque aún se desconocen sus causas. Mostramos y discutimos el alcance de una metodología para la estimación de depredación pre-dispersión, que considera la inclusión de los estadios inmaduros de brúquidos que no emergen de la semilla. La pérdida de semillas pre-dispersión por insectos y aborción, representan un filtro ecológico que podría limitar la cantidad de semillas disponibles para la dispersión y posterior establecimiento de estas especies. Comprender el proceso de pérdida de semillas puede contribuir a conocer y predecir la dinámica poblacional de Prosopis, revelando los mecanismos naturales de regeneración para la recuperación de los bosques.Pre-dispersal filters imposed on the seed stage can alter the likelihood of seed dispersal. We evaluate pre-dispersal seed loss due to predation by insects and abortion in Prosopis flexuosa and P. chilensis. This study was conducted in two protected areas in the Monte Desert. We collected P. flexuosa and P. chilensis fruits from different trees, from two plots and two years. Samples were maintained for 50 days in translucent PVC bottles stored in a laboratory under stable temperature (25 °C) and natural photoperiod, awaiting the emergence of insects. Then we opened the fruits and individually examined all seeds to determine their condition. We found that total pre-dispersal seed loss was 32% in P. flexuosa and 21% in P. chilensis. Seed predation by insects was the major source of pre-dispersal seed loss (19% in P. flexuosa and 14% in P. chilensis). The main seed predator was the apionid weevil (Brentidae: Apioninae) in P. flexuosa, and bruchid beetles (Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) in P. chilensis. Some bruchid beetles prey upon seeds, completing their life cycle, whereas others remain inside seeds (41% in P. flexuosa and 49% in P. chilensis, of total seed damaged by bruchid beetles). Seed abortion was another important source of seed loss, especially for P. flexuosa, but its cause still remains unknown. We show and discuss the extent of a proposed methodology to account for pre-dispersal seed predation that includes the immature stages of non-emergent bruchid. Pre-dispersal seed loss by insects and abortion represent an ecological filter that limits the amount of seeds available for dispersal and establishment of these species. Understanding seed loss process may contribute to know and predict Prosopis population dynamics, revealing the natural regeneration mechanisms to forest recovery

Bark consumption of creosote bush (Larrea cuneifolia) by cuises (Microcavia australis) : effect on branch survival and reproduction

A nivel regional, la herbivoría producida por mamíferos puede tener efectos significativos sobre la abundancia y el éxito reproductivo de las plantas. El presente trabajo estudia la interacción entre los cuises (Microcavia australis –Rodentia-) y la jarilla (Larrea cuneifolia –Zygophyllacea-). Este arbusto es la especie vegetal ecológicamente dominante en el Monte árido de Argentina. Se examinó la probabilidad de las plantas de ser roídas por los cuises en relación con el diámetro de las ramas y la distancia a las colonias y el efecto de las roídas sobre las plantas (condición y supervivencia de las ramas, producción de pimpollos, flores y frutos). En general, los resultados mostraron que las roídas en la corteza afectaron negativamente a las jarillas. El daño por roídas fue mayor en las ramas de menor diámetro y en las plantas más cercanas a las colonias de cuises. La herbivoría por cuises afectó la condición y producción de estructuras reproductivas así como también la supervivencia de las ramas de jarilla. De esta manera, la herbivoría por cuises podría, a largo plazo, afectar la distribución espacial de las jarillas en este ecosistema.Locally, mammalian herbivores may have significant effects on the abundance and fitness of plant species. This study focuses on the interaction between cuises (Microcavia australis –Rodentia-) and creosote bush (Larrea cuneifolia –Zygophyllacea-), which is a widespread and ecologically dominant evergreen shrub in the Monte Desert of Argentina. Specifically, we examined the probability of plants being gnawed by cuises in relation to branch diameter and distance to cuis colonies. Additionally, we assessed the effect of gnawing by cuises on branch condition, production of flowers and fruits and branch survival. In general, gnawing by cuises negatively affects creosote bush plants. The likelihood of being gnawed is higher for branches of smaller diameter and in plants growing closer to cuis colonies. Also, cuises significantly affect the condition, production of reproductive structures and survival of creosote bush branches. This, in turn, may have a long-term effect on the spatial distribution of creosote bush plants in this ecosystem

Protegiendo lo desprotegido: cambios y desafíos del sistema de áreas naturales protegidas de Mendoza

Protected Areas (PA) have contributed to the conservation of biodiversity since thebeginning of the 20th century. This paper aims to analyze the history of theconfiguration of the Protected area system (PAS) in the province of Mendoza, as wellas the socio-environmental and management problems that affect it. Throughbibliographic review and interviews, we found out that the PAS of Mendoza has grownin recent decades, transforming the PAs into a tool not only for conservation, but alsofor the defense of the commons. However, there are threats and challenges thatrequire an urgent approach to guarantee the conservation of biodiversity and locallivelihoods.Las Áreas Naturales Protegidas (ANP) han contribuido a la conservación de la biodiversidad desde el comienzo del siglo XX, reflejando la cambiante relación entre la sociedad y la naturaleza a lo largo del tiempo. El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo analizar la historia de la configuración del sistema de ANP (SANP) en la provincia de Mendoza, así como las problemáticas socioambientales y de gestión que lo afectan. A través de revisión bibliográfica y entrevistas en profundidad se reconoce que el SANP de Mendoza ha crecido en las últimas décadas, transformando a las ANP en una herramienta no sólo de conservación, sino de defensa de bienes comunes. Por otro lado existen amenazas y desafíos que requieren de un abordaje urgente para garantizar la conservación de la biodiversidad y una mejor calidad de vida para los pobladores locales

Psychometric evaluation of the SF-36 (v.2) questionnaire in a probability sample of Brazilian households: results of the survey Pesquisa Dimensões Sociais das Desigualdades (PDSD), Brazil, 2008

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In Brazil, despite the growing use of SF-36 in different research environments, most of the psychometric evaluation of the translated questionnaire was from studies with samples of patients. The purpose of this paper is to examine if the Brazilian version of SF-36 satisfies scaling assumptions, reliability and validity required for valid interpretation of the SF-36 summated ratings scales in the general population.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>12,423 individuals and their spouses living in 8,048 households were selected from a stratified sample of all permanent households along the country to be interviewed using the Brazilian SF-36 (version 2). Psychometric tests were performed to evaluate the scaling assumptions based on IQOLA methodology.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Data quality was satisfactory with questionnaire completion rate of 100%. The ordering of the item means within scales clustered as hypothesized. All item-scale correlations exceeded the suggested criteria for reliability with success rate of 100% and low floor and ceiling effects. All scales reached the criteria for group comparison and factor analysis identified two principal components that jointly accounted for 67.5% of the total variance. Role emotional and vitality were strongly correlated with physical and mental components, respectively, while social functioning was moderately correlated with both components. Role physical and mental health scales were, respectively, the most valid measures of the physical and mental health component. In the comparisons between groups that differed by the presence or absence of depression, subjects who reported having the disease had lower mean scores in all scales and mental health scale discriminated best between the two groups. Among those healthy and with one, two or three and more chronic illness, the average scores were inverted related to the number of diseases. Body pain, general health and vitality were the most discriminating scales between healthy and diseased groups. Higher scores were associated with individuals of male sex, age below 40 years old and high schooling.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The Brazilian version of SF-36 performed well and the findings suggested that it is a reliable and valid measure of health related quality of life among the general population as well as a promising measure for research on health inequalities in Brazil.</p

Culture of Gracilaria gracilis and Chondracanthus teedei from Vegetative Fragments in the Field and Carpospores in Laboratory

Gracilarioids and Gigartinales are of great economic importance due to the phycocolloids they contain in their cell wall and are used in different industries worldwide. Field and laboratory cultures of two species of red seaweeds (Gracilaria gracilis and Chondracanthus teedei), confirmed after DNA analysis, were carried out to foster the increasing use of this species in Spain as a food source. Vegetative cultures carried out in an open-lock gate within a traditional salina in the ay of Cadiz (Southern Spain) rendered maximum growth rates in April (3.64% day(-1)) for G. gracilis and in November (4.68% day(-1)) for C. teedei, the latter showing significant differences between the months of the year. For laboratory cultures, samples of the two species used for sporulation were obtained from tidal creeks in several nearby locations of the Bay. In order to grow fertile carposporophytes from spores, Provasoli enriched seawater medium (ES medium), Miquel A + B and f/2 were used as culture medium at a temperature of 18 degrees C and irradiance of 30 mu mol m(-2) s(-1) in 12:12 h photoperiod. Both species developed a basal disc after 12-15 days in ES medium and Miquel A + B, and new microscopic seedlings were observed at 20-25 days in ES medium. With f/2 medium, no growth was observed after sporulation. The life cycle of G. gracilis was completed in ES medium over a period of 11 months with a mean growth rate of 3.28% day(-1). The present study is an important step towards the development of seaweed cultivation in the Bay of Cadiz, especially in integrated multi-trophic cultivation in salinas as part of the more sustainable use of the marine resources in coastal communities

Recognition and uses of Rhea Tarapacensis by residents in the catchment area of the San Guillermo Biosphere reserve (San Juan, Argentina)

Rhea tarapacensis es una especie amenazada que está ecológicamente extinta en parte de su distribución. Es una de las especies más usadas en medicina tradicional en los alrededores de la Reserva de Biosfera San Guillermo (San Juan, Argentina), quedando aún por evaluar el reconocimiento por parte de los pobladores, los nombres comunes que recibe y otros usos históricos y actuales. Este estudio se llevó a cabo en poblaciones cercanas a la reserva, donde se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas a 171 pobladores de ambos sexos mayores de 15 años, con diferentes actividades y niveles educativos. El 95% reconoció a Rhea tarapacensis y localmente es llamada Avestruz, Chure, Churi o Ñandú. Los colaboradores mencionaron un fuerte uso histórico de su carne y sus plumas, y un menor pero importante uso actual. Los hombres, los pobladores de entre 31–45 años de edad y los habitantes de Tudcum fueron los que mencionaron más usos históricos y actuales de la especie. El 60% de los hombres manifestaron haber avistado a Rhea tarapacensis en el último año. Teniendo en cuenta los usos para obtención de carne y plumas y los usos medicinales reconocidos, la presión de caza sobre la población de Rhea tarapacensis podría no estar debidamente considerada en la evaluación de su situación de amenaza. Esto hace necesario un monitoreo continuo de la especie en la región, incluyendo el área protegida, acompañado de la realización de programas de difusión y uso sustentable dirigidos a los pobladores para efectivizar su conservación.Rhea tarapacensis is a threatened species ecologically extinct in part of its distribution range. It is one of the species most used in traditional medicine in the vicinity of the San Guillermo Biosphere Reserve (San Juan, Argentina), and its recognition by residents, the common names it receives and other historical and current uses still remain to be assessed. This study was carried out at four locations close to the reserve. A total of 171 semi-structured interviews were conducted with residents of both sexes, older than age 15, who have different activities and educational levels. Ninety five percent of the people recognized Rhea tarapacensis, which is locally called Avestruz, Chure, Churi or Ñandú.Contributors mentioned a strong historical use of its meat and feathers, and a lower but still important current use. Men, people between 31–45 years old and the residents of Tudcum were the ones who mentioned more historical and current uses of this species. Sixty percent of men claimed to have sighted Rhea tarapacensis over the past year. Considering the uses for obtaining meat and feathers and the recognized medicinal uses, the hunting pressure on Rhea tarapacensis could not be properly considered in the current evaluation of its conservation status. This makes necessary a continuous monitoring of the species in the region, including the protected area, accompanied by the implementation of programs of education and sustainable use directed to the residents, targeted at its conservation

Perception of and knowledge about biodiversity by urban and rural students of central-west drylands of Argentina

Los ecosistemas áridos y semiáridos de las provincias de Mendoza y San Juan en la actualidad sufren una degradación fuerte, con pérdida de biodiversidad. En este escenario, la difusión y la educación acerca de la biodiversidad nativa y su valor resultan indispensables a los fines de conservación. El presente trabajo revisa tres estudios llevados a cabo en las provincias de Mendoza y San Juan. Estos estudios fueron los primeros que, por un lado, intentaron reflejar las percepciones, conocimientos y apreciaciones de los estudiantes urbanos y rurales acerca de la biodiversidad y, por el otro, presentaron los resultados de la evaluación de una intervención educativa orientada a mejorar conocimientos y actitudes hacia la biodiversidad. Los trabajos muestran que si bien la procedencia, el género y la edad de los estudiantes afectan la percepción y el conocimiento acerca de la biodiversidad, en general, los niños aprecian y conocen más a las especies exóticas que a las nativas y, como en el resto del mundo, están familiarizados con las mascotas, las plantas ornamentales y los mamíferos carismáticos. Los estudiantes aprenden sobre biodiversidad utilizando diferentes fuentes; el contacto inicial de los más jóvenes con las especies ocurre a través de los medios masivos de comunicación y los libros. Los niños están poco familiarizados con las especies nativas locales con problemas de conservación y conocen poco acerca de sus adaptaciones evolutivas a las zonas áridas. Luego de una corta intervención educativa se observan cambios en percepciones y conocimientos en el corto plazo, pero a largo plazo se pierden. Es importante aumentar el esfuerzo en las escuelas, la familia, las organizaciones no gubernamentales y otros para mejorar el conocimiento y la apreciación de las biodiversidad nativa a través de actividades que se mantengan en el tiempo e impliquen el contacto directo con la naturaleza.Arid and semiarid ecosystems of Mendoza and San Juan are currently undergoing severe degradation with the subsequent loss of biodiversity. In this scenario, diffusion and education about native biodiversity and its value are indispensable to the purposes of conservation. The present work reviews three previous studies conducted in the provinces of Mendoza and San Juan. This review attempts to reflect the perceptions, knowledge and appreciation of urban and rural students about biodiversity, within the framework of studies conducted worldwide, and discusses the effect of educational interventions aimed at improving knowledge of and attitudes toward biodiversity. Studies find that, although the place of residence, sex and age of students affect their perception and knowledge of biodiversity, overall, children appreciate and know exotic species better than native ones and, just as in the rest of the world, they are familiar with pets, ornamental plants and charismatic mammals. Students learn about biodiversity from different sources; the initial contact of the youngest children with species is through the mass media and books. Children are scarcely familiar with local native species with conservation issues or with their evolutionary adaptations to arid regions. After a short educational intervention, changes in perceptions and knowledge are observed in the short term, but these are lost in the long term. We consider it important to increase efforts in schools, family, non-governmental organizations, etc., to improve knowledge and appreciation of native biodiversity through activities that are maintained over time and involve direct contact with nature

Kinin B1 receptors mediate depression-like behavior response in stressed mice treated with systemic E. coli lipopolysaccharide

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Kinin B₁receptors are inducible molecules up-regulated after inflammatory stimuli. This study evaluated the relevance of kinin B₁receptors in a mouse depression behavior model.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Mice were exposed to a 5-min swimming session, and 30 min later they were injected with <it>E. coli </it>lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Depression-like behavior was assessed by determining immobility time in a tail suspension test. Different brain structures were collected for molecular and immunohistochemical studies. Anhedonia was assessed by means of a sucrose intake test.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Our protocol elicited an increase in depression-like behavior in CF1 mice, as assessed by the tail-suspension test, at 24 h. This behavior was significantly reduced by treatment with the selective B₁receptor antagonists R-715 and SSR240612. Administration of SSR240612 also prevented an increase in number of activated microglial cells in mouse hippocampus, but did not affect a reduction in expression of mRNA for brain-derived neurotrophic factor. The increased immobility time following LPS treatment was preceded by an enhancement of hippocampal and cortical B₁receptor mRNA expression (which were maximal at 1 h), and a marked production of TNFα in serum, brain and cerebrospinal fluid (between 1 and 6 h). The depression-like behavior was virtually abolished in TNF<it>α </it>p55 receptor-knockout mice, and increased B₁receptor mRNA expression was completely absent in this mouse strain. Furthermore, treatment with SSR240612 was also effective in preventing anhedonia in LPS-treated mice, as assessed using a sucrose preference test.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our data show, for the first time, involvement of kinin B₁receptors in depressive behavioral responses, in a process likely associated with microglial activation and TNFα production. Thus, selective and orally active B₁receptor antagonists might well represent promising pharmacological tools for depression therapy.</p

Endozoochory by native and exotic herbivores in dry areas: consequences for germination and survival of Prosopis seeds

Mammalian herbivores can play a role in the endozoochorous dispersal of Prosopis seeds in the arid zones of Argentina, and the introduction of exotic mammals can change relevant parameters of the plant's reproductive ecology. Our specific goals were to quantify the seeds of Prosopis flexuosa, P. chilensis and P. torquata contained in the faeces of native [mara (Dolichotis patagonum), guanaco (Lama guanicoe)] and exotic [donkey (Equus asinus) and hare (Lepus europaeus)] mammals, and to determine the mortality, germination percentage and germination speed of seeds borne in faeces, compared with those collected from trees. In 2006, seeds were collected directly from trees or removed from mammal faeces. Seeds were counted and classified as apparently healthy or damaged. P. torquata and P. flexuosa seeds were found in the dung of guanaco, hare and mara, whereas only P. flexuosa seeds appeared in donkey faeces. P. chilensis seeds were only found in guanaco faeces. There was a notable relative abundance of seeds contained in small herbivore faeces in comparison to the large herbivores. The passage through the digestive tract of animals modified seed germination capacity and speed, with great variability between animal species. Guanacos had greater effects than donkeys on mortality, germination percentage and germination speed. Differences between the effects of both smaller-sized herbivores on seeds were much smaller.Fil: Campos, Claudia Monica. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Provincia de Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas; ArgentinaFil: Peco, Begoña. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid; EspañaFil: Campos Valeria. Universidad Nacional de San Juan; ArgentinaFil: Malo Arrázola, Juan Esteban. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid; EspañaFil: Giannoni, Stella Maris. Universidad Nacional de San Juan; ArgentinaFil: Suarez Francisco. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid; Españ