Colecciones especiales de la Real Expedición Botánica al Virreinato del Perú (1777-1815) : recuperación de una colección histórica

Este artículo presenta la colección histórica de semillas, frutos y cortezas de distintas especies vegetales, colectados por la Real Expedición Botánica al Virreinato del Perú (1777-1815), en los territorios de Perú, Chile y Ecuador y conservados en el Real Jardín Botánico-CSIC, en Madrid. A través de la recuperación de esta colección científica, sus relaciones con otros materiales de la misma Expedición (herbarios, dibujos y manuscritos), y su reflejo en las colecciones de plantas vivas del Jardín, se destaca el papel de los jardines botánicos y sus colecciones en el estudio de la diversidad vegetal y fúngica.Este trabajo ha podido ser realizado gracias a la financiación de Andrew Mellon Foundation en el marco de la Global Plants InitiativePeer reviewe

Reconectando las colecciones de Cinchona (Rubiaceae) de la Real Expedición Botánica al Virreinato del Perú (1777-1816)

During the “Real Expedición Botánica al Virreinato del Perú”, 1777-1816, Hipólito Ruiz López (1754-1816), José Antonio Pavón Jiménez (1754-1840), Juan José Tafalla Navascués (1755-1811) and Juan Agustín Manzanilla (fl. 1793-1816) collected economically important specimens of anti-malarial cinchona bark (Cinchona spp.). In the 230 years since, these specimens have been dispersed across institutions in Spain, Britain, Germany and Italy. Two major sub-collections of these are found at the Real Jardín Botánico, Madrid, Spain (n = 243), and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, UK (n = 188). The Kew collection arrived in Britain through Pavón and other Spanish botanists selling part of the collections. This study traces the history, trajectory and relationship of the collections between the two institutes.Durante la Real Expedición Botánica al Virreinato del Perú, 1777-1816, Hipólito Ruiz López (1754-1816), José Antonio Pavón Jiménez (1754-1840), Juan José Tafalla Navascués (1755-1811) y Juan Agustín Manzanilla (fl. 1793-1816) recolectaron especímenes de cortezas de quina (Cinchona spp.), importante económicamente como antimalárico. En los 230 años transcurridos desde entonces, estos especímenes se han dispersado por instituciones de España, Gran Bretaña, Alemania e Italia. Dos subcolecciones importantes se encuentran en el Real Jardín Botánico, Madrid, España (n = 243), receptor de la colección, y en Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Reino Unido (n = 188). La colección de Kew llegó a Gran Bretaña a través de Pavón y otros botánicos españoles que vendieron parte de las colecciones de la Expedición. Este estudio rastrea la historia, trayectoria y relación de estas colecciones compartidas entre estos dos centros de investigación

Structural design and particle size examination on NiO-CeO2 catalysts supported on 3D-printed carbon monoliths for CO2 methanation

3D-printed high-surface carbon monoliths have been fabricated and tested as catalyst supports of CO2 metha nation active phases (NiO-CeO2, 12 wt% Ni). The carbon carriers show a developed microporosity and good adherence to the catalytic phases of NiO-CeO2, showing great stability and cyclability. Two monolith designs were used: a conventional parallel-channeled structure (honeycomb) and a complex 3D network of non-linear channels built upon interconnected circular sections (circles), where flow turbulences along the reactant gas path are spurred. The effect of the active phases particle size on the catalyst distribution and the overall per formance has been assessed by comparing NiO-CeO2 nanoparticles of 7 nm verage (Np), with a reference counterpart of uncontrolled structure (Ref). The improved radial gases diffusion in the circles monolith design is confirmed, and nanoparticles show enhanced CO2 methanation activity than the uncontrolled-size active phase at low temperatures ( 300 ºC). SEM and Hg porosimetry evidence that nanoparticles are deposited at deeper penetration through the narrow micropores of the carbon matrix of the monolithic supports, which tend to accumulate on the channels surface remaining more accessible to the reactant molecules. Altogether, this study examines the impact of the channel tortuosity and the active phase sizing on the CO2 methanation activity, serving as ground knowledge for the further rational and scalable fabrication of carbon monolith for catalytic applications.The authors thank the financial support of the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (Projects PID2019-105960RB-C22, TED2021-129216B-I00 and PDC2022-133839-C22), Generalitat Valenciana (Projects CIPROM/2021/74, MFA/2022/036), and the EU NextGener ation (PRTR-C17.I1). ADQ acknowledges the support from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (RYC2021-034791-I)

Analysis of bacterial communities of infected primary teeth in a Mexican population

The objective of this study was to describe the bacterial communities associated with pediatric patients with endodontic infections of temporal teeth by targeting the 16S rRNA gene using pyrosequencing. Microbiological samples were obtained from the lower primary molars of thirteen 13 pediatric patients with dental infections. An aspiration method for microbiological sampling was used. The identification of microbiota employing the pyrosequencing method by targeting the 16S gene was performed. Ribosomal 16S RNA gene sequences were amplified, obtaining a total of 16,182 sequences from 13 primary infected molars (13 different individuals) by pyrosequencing. Bacteroidetes phyla (35.15%) were the most abundant followed by Firmicutes (33.3%) and Fusobacteria (10.05%); the presence of specific pathogenic bacteria was determined as well. The infected root canal of primary teeth contains a high diversity of anaerobic bacteria, and Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Fusobacteria phyla were the most abundant; Prevotella and Streptococcus genera were the most prevalent

La investigación botánica y fúngica en el Real Jardín Botánico, cómo sobrevivir a los cambios ambientales

El Real Jardín Botánico (RJB) ocupa un lugar muy prominente en la ciencia botánica y de los hongos, y es un centro de excelencia del Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) que lleva a cabo una investigación multidisciplinar en 5 de los 6 reinos de organismos eucariotas del árbol de la vida. Las investigaciones del RJB se enfocan en comprender la sistemática y evolución de la diversidad de organismos de estos 5 reinos, desde sus genes, las especies y los ecosistemas de los que forman parte. El RJB desarrolla líneas de investigación frontera enfocadas desde la sistemática y florística de plantas vasculares, la biodiversidad, biogeografía y sistemática molecular de hongos, hasta la biología evolutiva de plantas y sus patrones, procesos y mecanismos, la colonización y evolución en islas oceánicas, y la biodiversidad escondida, ahondando en el estudio de su ecología, evolución y conservación. El RJB está situado en un lugar privilegiado de Madrid, junto a la Glorieta de Atocha, y ha de sobrevivir a las nuevas como son el cambio global, incluido el cambio climático y la contaminación atmosférica. En este artículo se hace referencia a los objetivos y las actividades que desarrolla este importante centro de investigación botánic

Androgen receptor polyQ alleles and COVID-19 severity in men: a replication study

Background: Ample evidence indicates a sex-related difference in severity of COVID19, with less favorable outcomes observed in men. Genetic factors have been proposed as candidates to explain this difference. The polyglutamine (polyQ) polymorphism in the androgen receptor gene has been recently described as a genetic biomarker of COVID-19 severity. Objective: To test the association between the androgen receptor polyQ polymorphism and COVID-19 severity in a large cohort of COVID-19 male patients. Materials and methods: This study included 1136 male patients infected with SARSCoV-2 as confirmed by positive PCR. Patients were retrospectively and prospectively enrolled from March to November 2020. Patients were classified according to their severity into three categories: oligosymptomatic, hospitalized and severe patients requiring ventilatory support. The number of CAG repeats (polyQ polymorphism) at the androgen receptor was obtained by PCR and patients were classified as either short (<23 repeats) or long (≥23 repeats) allele carriers. The association between polyQ alleles (short or long) and COVID-19 severity was assessed by Chi-squared (Chi2) and logistic regression analysis. Results: The mean number of polyQ CAG repeats was 22 (±3). Patients were classified as oligosymptomatic (15.5%), hospitalized (63.2%), and severe patients (21.3%) requiring substantial respiratory support. PolyQ alleles distribution did not show significant differences between severity classes in our cohort (Chi2 test p > 0.05). Similar results were observed after adjusting by known risk factors such as age, comorbidities, and ethnicity (multivariate logistic regression analysis)Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (COVID-19 Research Call; COV20/00181) co-financed by European Development Regional Fund (FEDER, A way to achieve Europe); Estrella de Levante (E G-N); Colabora Mujer (E G-N); Instituto de Salud Carlos III (Centro de Investigación en Red de Enfermedades Raras, CIBERer); IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz-UAM Chair in Genomic Medicine; Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (Miguel Servet Contract Number: CP17/00006 and Juan Rodes Contract Number: JR17/00020) co-financied by European Regional Development Fund (FEDER); CEGEN-PRB3-ISCIII is funded by ISCIII and ERDF, Grant Number: PT17/001

Hybrid nanomaterials and nanoparticles for the prevention of biodeterioration of cultural heritage objects

Resumen del trabajo presentado al IX Congreso Ciencia y Arte, celebrado del 17 al 19 de octubre de 2022.N

Nanomateriales antimicrobianos para prevenir el biodeterioro del patrimonio cultural

Resumen del trabajo presentado a la 9ª Jornada de Jóvenes Investigadores de Química y Física de Aragón, celebrada en Zaragoza el 16 de diciembre de 2021.Peer reviewe

Key Factors for Optimal Care Models for Heart Failure: An Integrative and Multidisciplinary Approach

[Resumen] Introducción y objetivos. La insuficiencia cardiaca (IC) supone un reto para los sistemas sanitarios que se puede responder a través del desarrollo de modelos integrales de atención. Un grupo multidisciplinar de expertos reflexionó sobre los factores clave para avanzar en el desarrollo de este tipo de modelos, planteando una hoja de ruta dirigida a todos los agentes (administraciones, gestores y profesionales sanitarios). Métodos. Se conformó un panel Delphi multidisciplinar integrado por un comité asesor de 15 expertos y un panel adicional de 31 expertos. A través de una revisión bibliográfica sistemática y entrevistas individuales semiestructuradas se realizó un diagnóstico e identificación de retos y áreas de mejora a lo largo del proceso asistencial. El panel Delphi consensuó y priorizó los factores clave con la metodología Delphi Rand/UCLA, valorando su adecuación y necesidad. Resultados. Tras 2 rondas de valoración Delphi se consensuó una propuesta de 7 retos y 75 factores clave para el desarrollo de modelos integrados para la IC. Los 25 factores clave considerados altamente prioritarios se relacionan con la necesidad de una mayor coordinación y planificación a nivel de gestión sanitaria, el abordaje integral durante la hospitalización y la implantación de medidas de continuidad y coordinación asistencial, garantizando que se cubren las necesidades específicas de diferentes perfiles de pacientes. Conclusiones. La propuesta y priorización de acciones para avanzar en modelos de atención integral a la IC debe surgir de reflexiones multidisciplinares y multinivel que incluyan la visión de los pacientes y cuidadores.[Abstract] Introduction and objectives. Heart failure (HF) is a challenge for health systems that can be responded through the development of comprehensive care models. A multidisciplinary group of experts reflected on the key factors that could facilitate the development of this type of models, proposing a roadmap aimed at all agents (politicians, managers, administrators, and health professional). Methods. A multidisciplinary Delphi panel was formed, made up of an advisory committee of 15 experts and an additional panel of 31 experts. After a systematic bibliographic review and semi-structured individual interviews, a diagnosis and identification of challenges and areas for improvement were made throughout the healthcare process. The Delphi panel agreed and prioritized the key factors applying Delphi Rand/UCLA methodology, assessing their appropriateness and need. Results. After 2 rounds of Delphi assessment, a proposal of 7 challenges and 75 key factors was agreed upon for the development of integrated models for HF. The 25 key factors considered high priority are related to the need for greater coordination and planning at the health management level, the comprehensive approach during hospitalization and the implementation of measures of continuity and care coordination, ensuring that the specific needs of different patient profiles. Conclusions. The proposal and prioritization of actions to advance in models of comprehensive care for HF must arise from multidisciplinary and multilevel reflections that include the vision of patients and caregivers.El proyecto MAIC ha sido financiado por Boehringer Ingelheim Españ

Standardized incidence ratios and risk factors for cancer in patients with systemic sclerosis: Data from the Spanish Scleroderma Registry (RESCLE)

Aim: Patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) are at increased risk of cancer, a growing cause of non-SSc-related death among these patients. We analyzed the increased cancer risk among Spanish patients with SSc using standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) and identified independent cancer risk factors in this population. Material and methods: Spanish Scleroderma Registry data were analyzed to determine the demographic characteristics of patients with SSc, and logistic regression was used to identify cancer risk factors. SIRs with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) relative to the general Spanish population were calculated. Results: Of 1930 patients with SSc, 206 had cancer, most commonly breast, lung, hematological, and colorectal cancers. Patients with SSc had increased risks of overall cancer (SIR 1.48, 95% CI 1.36-1.60; P < 0.001), and of lung (SIR 2.22, 95% CI 1.77-2.73; P < 0.001), breast (SIR 1.31, 95% CI 1.10-1.54; P = 0.003), and hematological (SIR 2.03, 95% CI 1.52-2.62; P < 0.001) cancers. Cancer was associated with older age at SSc onset (odds ratio [OR] 1.22, 95% CI 1.01-1.03; P < 0.001), the presence of primary biliary cholangitis (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.18-4.68; P = 0.015) and forced vital capacity <70% (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.24-2.70; P = 0.002). The presence of anticentromere antibodies lowered the risk of cancer (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.45-0.97; P = 0.036). Conclusions: Spanish patients with SSc had an increased cancer risk compared with the general population. Some characteristics, including specific autoantibodies, may be related to this increased risk