Notes taxonòmiques, nomenclaturals i corològiques de les espècies de Verbascum L. (Scrophulaeiaceae) a Mallorca

Hom ha reunit en el present treball un seguit de comentaris taxonòmics, nomenclaturals i corològics de les espècies de Verbascum L. (includ. Celsia L.) presents a l'illa de Mallorca. Per a l'elaboració d'aquest estudi hom ha consultat els següents herbaris: BC, BCC, BCF, COI, MA, MAF, MPU, així com els del Col•legi d'Apotecaris de Palma (Herb. Apot.), Coilegi de la Salle de Pont d'Inca (Herb. Bianor) i de Palma (Herb. Bianor- P), i els herbaris particulars de J. Orell (Herb. Orell) i de F. Bonafe (Herb. Bonafe).This work presents taxonomical, nomenclatural, and chorological studies on the taxon Verbascum L. (includ. Celsia L.) of Majorca island. The species V. nigrum Vill. and V. Virgatum Stockes must be eliminated from the Balearic Flora. V. boerhavii L. var. bicolor (Bad.) Arcang. and V. blattaria L. are recorded for the first time in the Balearic Islands; likewise, V. boerhavii var. knochei is described. V. portae Willk. is regarded as coespecific with V. boerhavii L. var. boerhavii

Displaced genital arch in a Drosophila melanogaster male

Drosophila melanogaster mutant ebony (e) is characterized by its pigmentation defects in the adult cuticle (Bridges and Morgan, 1923); eyegone (eyg) has been described as having head and eyes much smaller than normal (Ives, 1942); and the vestigial (vg) locus seems to be only involved in wing development (Bridges and Morgan, 1919). While analyzing the F1 offspring from the parental cross between the D. melanogaster strains e eyg and vg, a particular fly was observed. It was a male, with no extended wings and normal color (although slightly darker because it was heterozygote for e). Interestingly, its genital arch was displaced from its normal position. It was not located in the ventral tip of the abdomen, instead it was displaced almost 90 degrees towards the end of the abdomen (Figures 1 and 2). The abdominal area where the genital arch should be was covered with a thin tegument (Figures 3 and 4). Sex combs were properly located. The animal died by accident nine days after emerging and left no progeny (he was caught in the culture medium) [...]

A Nori but not a Konbu, dietary supplement decreases the cholesterolaemia, liver fat infiltration and mineral bioavailability in hypercholesterolaemic growing Wistar rats

The nutritional consequences of algae consumption in young populations consuming hypercholesterolaemic diets have hardly been investigated. This study tests the effect of algae supplementation of cholesterol-enriched balanced diets on growth, dietary efficiency ratio, mineral intake and absorption, organ weight and structure and cholesterolaemia in growing Wistar rats. Three groups of ten rats each were fed for 3 weeks with experimental diets containing 93% casein-soyabean oil base with 2.4% cholesterol-raising agent and 7% supplement. The control group received cellulose (35%), group 2 consumed Nori (33.8% fibre) and group 3 consumed Konbu (36.1% fibre). Food intake and body weight gain were not significantly affected. Algae groups presented significantly higher dietary efficiency ratio values than control rats. Apparent absorption of several minerals appeared significantly affected, mainly in Nori-fed rats, with a significant decrease in the ratio of Zn and Cu intakes and apparent absorption. Nori diet significantly decreased plasma cholesterol. Algae supplement did not significantly affect organ size and structure. Control and Konbu rats showed severe liver fat infiltration, while Nori rats exhibited a significantly lower degree of lipid-like hepatocyte vacuolization but light to moderate leukocyte infiltration. Light to moderate scaling off of the epithelium and moderate submucosa oedema was observed in all groups. Although long-term studies are needed to check the possible extrapolation of these data to human subjects, it can be concluded that a Nori, but not a Konbu, dietary supplement reverses the negative effect of dietary cholesterol intake and also appears to be related to mineral availability in growing subjects. © 2007 The Authors.This work was granted by the Spanish Ministerio de Investigación y Ciencia, Project AGL 2005-07204-C02-C1/ALI.Peer Reviewe

Structural properties of various sodium thiogermanate glasses through DFT-based molecular dynamics simulations

We present a study of the structural properties of (x)Na$_2$S-(1-x)GeS$_2$ glasses through DFT-based molecular dynamics simulations, at different sodium concentrations ($0<x<0.5$). We computed the radial pair correlation functions as well as the total and partial structure factors. We also analyzed the evolution of the corner- and edge-sharing intertetrahedral links with the sodium concentration and show that the sodium ions exclusively destroy the former. With the increase of the sodium concentration the ``standard'' FSDP disappears and a new pre-peak appears in the structure factor which can be traced back in the Na-Na partial structure factor. This self organization of the sodium ions is coherent with Na-rich zones that we find at high modifier concentration.Comment: 9 pages, 7 figures; to be published in Phys. Rev.

Synthesis of tetranuclear rhodium and iridium complexes directed by 6-mercaptopyridin-2-ol: Electrochemical behavior, chemical oxidation, and coordination chemistry

The new ligand 6-mercapto-2(1 H)-pyridone (H2PySO) has been prepared in good yield by reaction of 6-chloro-pyridin-2-ol with NaSH. Reaction of the salt K2PySO, generated in situ, with the appropriate complex [M(μ-C1)(diolefin)]2affords the tetranuclear complexes [M 4(μ-PySO)2(diolefin)4] [M = Rh, diolefin = 1,5-cyclooctadiene (cod) (1), tetrafluorobenzobarralene (tfbb) (2); M = lr, diolefin = cod (3)]. The molecular structure of complex 1 has been determined by X-ray diffraction methods. The tetranuclear structure is supported by two S, N, Otridentate ligands exhibiting a 1κO, 2κN, 3:4κ2 S coordination mode. Carbonylation of the rhodium diolefin complexes at atmospheric pressure gives [Rh4(μ-PyS0)2(C0)8] (4). The carbonylation of 1 is partially reversible, and the mixed-ligand complex [Rh4(μ-PySO)2(cod)2(CO)4] (5) has been obtained as a single isomer. The reaction of 4 with triphenylphosphine gives the compound [Rh4(μ-PySO)2(CO)4(PPh 3)4] (6) which also exists as a single isomer of C 2 symmetry. The diolefin complexes are redox active and exhibit two one-electron oxidations at a platinum disk electrode in dichloromethane separated by approximately 0.5 V at potentials accessible by chemical oxidants. The tetranuclear complexes were selectively oxidized to the 63-electron mixed-valence cationic complexes [M4(μ-PySO)2(diolefin) 4]+(1a+, 2+, and 3+) by using AgCF3SO3 as oxidant and isolated as the triflate salts. Alternatively, the oxidation with [Cp2Fe]PF6 gives [Rh4(μ-PySO)2(cod)4][PF6] (1b+). The parameters obtained from the simulation of the electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of the oxidized species strongly suggest that the unpaired electron is delocalized over only two metal atoms in the complexes.The financial support from Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia (MEC/FEDER) Project CTQ2006-03973/BQU and Grant CSD2006-0015 Consolider Ingenio 2010 is gratefully acknowledged.Peer Reviewe

Methylene blue? Therapeutic alternative in the management of septic shock refractory to norepinephrine

Introduction: Methylene blue is receiving special interest in perioperative and intensive care of patients with distributive shock due to its ability to block the action of nitric oxide and to antagonize deep vasodilation. Objective: The objective is to illustrate the use of the methylene blue, summarizing the perioperative management of a case with secondary vasoplegic syndrome due to a norepinephrine refractory septic shock and the response to methylene blue, reviewing the latest evidence of this therapeutic alternative. In practice:We describe the case of a 60-year-old man, paraplegic, with septic shock due to a long evolution decubitus pressure ulcer. After two hours of surgery, the patient remained with hemodynamic deterioration despite high doses of vasopressin (3 IU/hour) and norepinephrine (2 µg/kg /min), therefore methylene blue was administered with two intravenous bolus doses of 50 mg without adverse effects. After half an hour hemodynamic improvement was evidenced, allowing to decrease norepinephrine infusion and normalizing blood pressure. Finally, debridement of necrotic tissue, amputation and disarticulation of left coxofemoral joint was performed with subsequent transfer to the ICU and discharge to the spinal cord injury ward twenty eight days later. Conclusions: As it has been demonstrated in our patient, methylene blue is a therapeutic alternative to manage patients with persistent hypotension despite the use of various vasopressors during the management of vasoplegic syndrome secondary to septic shock

Energy-dependent accumulation of fluoroquinolones in quinolone- resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strains

The intracellular accumulation of norfloxacin and perloxacin in Klebsiella pneumoniae was evaluated. The roles of lipopolysaccharide, capsule, and outer membrane proteins were not important for the intrabacterial accumulation of fluoroquinolones in isogenic strains with known outer membrane alterations. In fluoroquinolone-resistant clinical isolates also expressing GyrA alterations, an active efflux leading to decreased accumulation of the drugs enhanced their resistance to these agents.Comisión Interministerial de Ciencia y Tecnología PB96-019

Atención farmacéutica a pacientes en tratamiento con AINE

Introducción: La automedicación es, en general, una conducta presente en todas las sociedades, y con frecuencia se autoprescriben antiinflamatorios sin control sanitario y sin que el paciente sea consciente de la intensidad y gravedad de las reacciones adversas que pueden provocar. Desde la oficina de farmacia se debe realizar una correcta atención farmacéutica y mejorar los resultados de la farmacoterapia previniendo, detectando y resolviendo los problemas relacionados con medicamentos antes de que éstos den lugar a morbilidad y mortalidad. Objetivos: 1) Analizar los principios activos más demandados, así como la forma de dispensación más frecuente. 2) Valorar la eficacia y la eficiencia de los medicamentos en las enfermedades para las que se prescriben. 3) Evaluar el grado de conocimiento de los pacientes sobre su farmacoterapia. 4) Realizar un análisis del seguimiento farmacoterapéutico a pacientes crónicos. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional, prospectivo, monocéntrico y concurrente llevado a cabo en pacientes tratados con antiinflamatorios, mediante encuestas y seguimiento farmacoterapéutico de los pacientes crónicos. Resultados: Los pacientes refirieron una disminución en el grado de dolor de 4 puntos según la escala visual analógica (EVA). Se redujo un 23,3% el número de pacientes con presión arterial sistólica (PAS) ≥140 mmHg, y un 13,3% los pacientes con presión arterial diastólica (PAD) ≥90 mmHg. Más del 90% declararon conocer mejor su enfermedad y su tratamiento, y el 58% mejoraron su adherencia a éste. La calidad de vida del paciente se vio aumentada en casi un 10% según el test EuroQol-5D. Conclusiones: La atención farmacéutica se presenta como una alternativa de calidad muy eficaz para conseguir mejorar el resultado de los tratamientos y la asistencia sanitaria

Atención farmacéutica a pacientes en tratamiento con AINE

Introducción: La automedicación es, en general, una conducta presente en todas las sociedades, y con frecuencia se autoprescriben antiinflamatorios sin control sanitario y sin que el paciente sea consciente de la intensidad y gravedad de las reacciones adversas que pueden provocar. Desde la oficina de farmacia se debe realizar una correcta atención farmacéutica y mejorar los resultados de la farmacoterapia previniendo, detectando y resolviendo los problemas relacionados con medicamentos antes de que éstos den lugar a morbilidad y mortalidad. Objetivos: 1) Analizar los principios activos más demandados, así como la forma de dispensación más frecuente. 2) Valorar la eficacia y la eficiencia de los medicamentos en las enfermedades para las que se prescriben. 3) Evaluar el grado de conocimiento de los pacientes sobre su farmacoterapia. 4) Realizar un análisis del seguimiento farmacoterapéutico a pacientes crónicos. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional, prospectivo, monocéntrico y concurrente llevado a cabo en pacientes tratados con antiinflamatorios, mediante encuestas y seguimiento farmacoterapéutico de los pacientes crónicos. Resultados: Los pacientes refirieron una disminución en el grado de dolor de 4 puntos según la escala visual analógica (EVA). Se redujo un 23,3% el número de pacientes con presión arterial sistólica (PAS) ≥140 mmHg, y un 13,3% los pacientes con presión arterial diastólica (PAD) ≥90 mmHg. Más del 90% declararon conocer mejor su enfermedad y su tratamiento, y el 58% mejoraron su adherencia a éste. La calidad de vida del paciente se vio aumentada en casi un 10% según el test EuroQol-5D. Conclusiones: La atención farmacéutica se presenta como una alternativa de calidad muy eficaz para conseguir mejorar el resultado de los tratamientos y la asistencia sanitaria

Macroevolutionary dynamics of nectar spurs, a key evolutionary innovation.

Floral nectar spurs are widely considered a key innovation promoting diversification in angiosperms by means of pollinator shifts. We investigated the macroevolutionary dynamics of nectar spurs in the tribe Antirrhineae (Plantaginaceae), which contains 29 genera and 300-400 species (70-80% spurred). The effect of nectar spurs on diversification was tested, with special focus on Linaria, the genus with the highest number of species. We generated the most comprehensive phylogeny of Antirrhineae to date and reconstructed the evolution of nectar spurs. Diversification rate heterogeneity was investigated using trait-dependent and trait-independent methods, and accounting for taxonomic uncertainty. The association between changes in spur length and speciation was examined within Linaria using model testing and ancestral state reconstructions. We inferred four independent acquisitions of nectar spurs. Diversification analyses revealed that nectar spurs are loosely associated with increased diversification rates. Detected rate shifts were delayed by 5-15 Myr with respect to the acquisition of the trait. Active evolution of spur length, fitting a speciational model, was inferred in Linaria, which is consistent with a scenario of pollinator shifts driving diversification. Nectar spurs played a role in diversification of the Antirrhineae, but diversification dynamics can only be fully explained by the complex interaction of multiple biotic and abiotic factors.This work was supported by the Marie Curie Intra-European Fellowship LINARIA-SPECIATION (FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IEF, reference 624396), an Isaac Newton Trust Research Grant (Trinity College, Cambridge), a Juan de la Cierva fellowship to M.F.-M. (Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitivity, reference IJCI-2015-23459) and a Generalitat Valenciana postdoctoral grant to A.J. (Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport, reference BEST/2014/264)