Thermal physiological traits in tropical lowland amphibians: Vulnerability to climate warming and cooling

Climate change is affecting biodiversity and ecosystem function worldwide, and the lowland tropics are of special concern because organisms living in this region experience temperatures that are close to their upper thermal limits. However, it remains unclear how and whether tropical lowland species will be able to cope with the predicted pace of climate warming. Additionally, there is growing interest in examining how quickly thermal physiological traits have evolved across taxa, and whether thermal physiological traits are evolutionarily conserved or labile. We measured critical thermal maximum (CTmax) and minimum (CTmin) in 56 species of lowland Amazonian frogs to determine the extent of phylogenetic conservatism in tolerance to heat and cold, and to predict species’ vulnerability to climate change. The species we studied live in sympatry and represent ~65% of the known alpha diversity at our study site. Given that critical thermal limits may have evolved differently in response to different temperature constraints, we tested whether CTmax and CTmin exhibit different rates of evolutionary change. Measuring both critical thermal traits allowed us to estimate species’ thermal breadth and infer their potential to respond to abrupt changes in temperature (warming and cooling). Additionally, we assessed the contribution of life history traits and found that both critical thermal traits were correlated with species’ body size and microhabitat use. Specifically, small direct-developing frogs in the Strabomantidae family appear to be at highest risk of thermal stress while tree frogs (Hylidae) and narrow mouthed frogs (Microhylidae) tolerate higher temperatures. While CTmax and CTmin had considerable variation within and among families, both critical thermal traits exhibited similar rates of evolutionary change. Our results suggest that 4% of lowland rainforest frogs assessed will experience temperatures exceeding their CTmax, 25% might be moderately affected and 70% are unlikely to experience pronounced heat stress under a hypothetical 3°C temperature increase

A New Species of Terrestrial-Breeding Frog (Amphibia, Strabomantidae, Noblella) from the Upper Madre De Dios Watershed, Amazonian Andes and Lowlands of Southern Peru

We describe and name a new species of Noblella Barbour, 1930 (Strabomantidae) from southern Peru. Key diagnostic characteristics of the new species include the presence of a short, oblique fold-like tubercle on the ventral part of the tarsal region, two phalanges on finger IV, and an evident tympanum. The elevational distribution of the new species spans 1250 m (240–1490 m) from lowland Amazon rainforest to montane forest on the eastern slopes of the Andes

An afferent explanation for sexual dimorphism in the aortic baroreflex of rat

Sex differences in baroreflex (BRx) function are well documented. Hormones likely contribute to this dimorphism, but many functional aspects remain unresolved. Our lab has been investigating a subset of vagal sensory neurons that constitute nearly 50% of the total population of myelinated aortic baroreceptors (BR) in female rats but less than 2% in male rats. Termed “Ah,” this unique phenotype has many of the nonoverlapping electrophysiological properties and chemical sensitivities of both myelinated A-type and unmyelinated C-type BR afferents. In this study, we utilize three distinct experimental protocols to determine if Ah-type barosensory afferents underlie, at least in part, the sex-related differences in BRx function. Electron microscopy of the aortic depressor nerve (ADN) revealed that female rats have less myelin (P < 0.03) and a smaller fiber cross-sectional area (P < 0.05) per BR fiber than male rats. Electrical stimulation of the ADN evoked compound action potentials and nerve conduction profiles that were markedly different (P < 0.01, n = 7 females and n = 9 males). Selective activation of ADN myelinated fibers evoked a BRx-mediated depressor response that was 3–7 times greater in female (n = 16) than in male (n = 17) rats. Interestingly, the most striking hemodynamic difference was functionally dependent upon the rate of myelinated barosensory fiber activation. Only 5–10 Hz of stimulation evoked a rapid, 20- to 30-mmHg reduction in arterial pressure of female rats, whereas rates of 50 Hz or higher were required to elicit a comparable depressor response from male rats. Collectively, our experimental results are suggestive of an alternative myelinated baroreceptor afferent pathway in females that may account for, at least in part, the noted sex-related differences in autonomic control of cardiovascular function

Relationship of Left Ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain with Cardiac Autonomic Denervation As Assessed by 123I-mIBG Scintigraphy in Patients with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction Submitted to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: Assessment of Cardiac Autonomic Denervation by GLS in Patients with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction Submitted to CRT

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) is associated with cardiac autonomic denervation (AD), which can be non-invasively assessed by 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I-mIBG) scintigraphy and has prognostic implications. We aimed to study the relationship between myocardial contractility assessed by global longitudinal strain (GLS) and AD assessed by 123I-mIBG scintigraphy in advanced HF. METHODS/RESULTS: BETTER-HF is a prospective randomized clinical trial including HF patients (pts) submitted to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) who are submitted to a clinical, echocardiographic, and scintigraphic assessment before and 6 months after CRT. 81 pts were included. An echocardiographic response (absolute increase in left ventricular ejection fraction ≥ 10%) was observed in 73.7% of pts. A higher baseline late heart-to-mediastinum ratio (HMR) was associated with a better echocardiographic response. There was a significant association between late HMR and GLS at baseline and 6 months. At baseline, GLS had an AUC of 0.715 for discrimination for a late HMR < 1.6. A GLS cut-off of - 9% maximized the likelihood of correctly classifying a pt as having severe AD (HMR < 1.6). CONCLUSION: Myocardial contractility as assessed by GLS is moderately correlated with AD as assessed by 123I-mIBG scintigraphy and has a good discrimination for the identification of severe cardiac denervation. GLS may allow for a more readily accessible estimation of the degree of AD in advanced HF pts.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Uso de Macromoléculas sobre la Tasa de Maduración y Desarrollo Embrionario in vitro de Ovocitos Bovinos

The effect of four supplements with macromolecules on the rate of nuclear maturation, oocyte division at 48 h and embryo development at 7 days post-fertilization was evaluated. Ovaries were collected in the slaughterhouse; oocytes with two or more layers of cells were selected and matured on TCM-99 enriched with macromolecule supplements: Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinylalcohol (PVA), Bovine serum albumin (BSA), Foetal bovine serum (SFB). Oocytes were cultivated at 39 °C with 5% of CO2. Nuclear maturation was evaluated at 24 hours, classifying them as germinal vesicle, metaphase I, anaphasetelophase, metaphase II and degenerated. For the evaluation of the oocyte division and embryo development, oocytes were matured under the same conditions and fertilized with spermatozoa during 18 hours in KSOM-AA culture media, and then transferred to SOF culture media for 48 h. Significant differences on nuclear maturation (Metaphase II) were only observed between PVA and SFB (p&lt;0.05). Furthermore, none significant differences on rate of division and embryonic development between treatments were observed. These results indicate that the macromolecule supplements provide similar conditions and requirements for the progression from metaphase I to metaphase II.Se evaluó el efecto de cuatro suplementos de macromoléculas sobre la tasa de maduración nuclear, división de ovocitos a las 48 horas y desarrollo embrionario a los siete días pos-fecundación. Se colectaron ovarios de camal, se aspiraron los folículos y se seleccionaron los ovocitos con dos o más capas de células para ser madurados en medio TCM-99 enriquecido con macromoléculas: Polivinil pirrolidona (PVP), Polivinil alcohol (PVA), Albúmina sérica bovina (BSA), Suero fetal bovino (SFB). Los ovocitos se cultivaron a 39 °C y con 5% de CO2. Se evaluó la maduración nuclear a las 24 h, calificándolos como vesícula germinal, metafase I, anafase-telofase, metafase II y degenerados. Para evaluar la división y desarrollo embrionario, otro grupo de ovocitos fueron madurados bajo las mismas condiciones y fecundados por 18 h en medio de cultivo KSOM-AA, y trasferidos al medio de cultivo SOF por 48 h. Solo hubo diferencias estadísticas en maduración nuclear (Metafase II) entre los grupos suplementados con PVA y SFB (p&lt;0.05). Asimismo, no hubo diferencias entre tratamientos en la tasa de división y desarrollo embrionario. Los resultados indican que los suplementos de macromoléculas proporcionan condiciones y requerimientos similares para la progresión desde estadios de metafase I a metafase II

Aplicación de una metodología docente innovadora basada en videos para el análisis de la sostenibilidad ambiental en el aprovechamiento energético de residuos alimentarios

En el presente trabajo se presenta una actividad de innovación docente cuyo objetivo es aplicar conceptos de sostenibilidad ambiental a tres procesos de obtención de energía, a partir de los residuos alimentarios procedentes del servicio de restauración de uno de los campus de la universidad. Se analizaron tres procesos de valorización energética (transesterificación, licuefacción hidrotérmica y digestión anaerobia) realizados en las instalaciones del centro, para obtener biocombustibles (biodiesel, bioaceite y biogás, respectivamente) a partir de diferentes tipos de residuos. La actividad consistió en el visionado de videos de estos procesos, previamente elaborados; una sesión de debate; una prueba tipo test y una encuesta de satisfacción. La actividad se aplicó en la asignatura de Análisis de Ciclo Vida y Tecnologías Limpias del grado en Ingeniería Ambiental, obteniéndose una respuesta muy positiva por parte de los alumnos participantes

7. Del bosque húmedo al bosque seco: adaptabilidad de las palmeras al cambio climático

Originalmente, las palmeras son especies adaptadas al bosque tropical húmedo. Sin embargo existe un número significativo de especies adaptadas a ecosistemas caracterizados por algún grado de sequía. En América del Sur existen 130 especies adaptadas a ecosistemas relativamente secos, lo que dice de su capacidad de adaptación en relación a la limitación del recurso hídrico. Esta cualidad les permite adecuarse al contexto de disminución de las precipitaciones, uno de los aspectos del cambio climático en la región. Sin embargo, en América del Sur, el proceso de adaptación de las palmeras a los ecosistemas secos ha demorado entre 10 a15 millones de años, y solamente 13 linajes de palmeras tuvieron la capacidad de pasar del bosque húmedo a ecosistemas secos lo cual sugiere que si bien son adaptables, también son poco flexibles para responder a cambios rápidos del clima.Á l’origine, les palmiers sont des espèces adaptées à la forêt humide tropicale. Toutefois, il existe un nombre important d’espèces adaptées á des écosystèmes caractérisés par un certain degré de sécheresse. En Amérique du Sud on dénombre 130 espèces adaptées aux écosystèmes relativement secs, ce qui montre leur adaptabilité par rapport à la limitation des ressources en eau. Cette qualité leur permet de s’adapter au contexte de la diminution des précipitations, un des aspects du changement climatique dans la région. Néanmoins, en Amérique du Sud, l’adaptation des palmiers aux écosystèmes secs a pris entre 10 et 15 millions d’années, et seulement 13 lignées de palmiers ont eu la capacité de passer de la forêt tropicale humide á des écosystèmes plus secs suggérant que, s’ils sont adaptables, ils sont également difficilement capables de réagir aux changements rapides du climat.Originally, palm trees are species adapted to tropical rainforest. However, there are a significant number of species adapted to ecosystems with some degree of drought. In South America there are 130 species adapted to relatively dry ecosystems, which tells about its ability to adapt to environments with scarce water resources. This quality enables them to adapt perfectly into the context of decreasing rainfall caused by climate change. However, in South America, the adaptation of palm trees to dry ecosystems has delayed among 10 to 15 million of years, and only 13 strains of palm trees had the ability to pass from the rainforest to dry ecosystems, suggesting that although they are adaptable to new ecosystems, there are also less flexible to respond to rapid changes of the weather

Estudio comparativo de sistemas SBR para eliminación de C, N y P. convencional versus nitrificación externa

Se presentan resultados de la simulación dinámica de sistemas SBR para la remoción de C, N y P de efluentes líquidos, en base al modelo de barros activados ASM3+BioP. Se incluyen resultados de la comparación entre el proceso SBR convencional y SBR con nitrificación externa, en base a la eficiencia de remoción de contaminantes y costos de inversión, operación y total, para diferentes condiciones de operación que cumplen con los límites de descarga considerados. Para el efluente estudiado, ambos procesos permiten cumplir los límites de descarga sin la adición de una fuente externa de C. El proceso SBR con nitrificación externa alcanza mayor remoción de N-nitratos y P total, mientras que la remoción de N-amoniacal se ve limitada. Si bien ambos procesos presentan costos totales específicos similares, el proceso SBR tiene un menor costo específico de inversión, mientras que el proceso SBR con nitrificación externa presenta menores costos de operación debido a una mayor eficiencia. Dado el elevado número de compromisos existentes entre las variables de operación, surge la necesidad de formular un modelo de optimización algorítmica que permita determinar simultáneamente las condiciones de operación que minimicen costos bajo especificaciones de descarga.Sociedad Argentina de Informática e Investigación Operativ

Estudio comparativo de sistemas SBR para eliminación de C, N y P. convencional versus nitrificación externa

Se presentan resultados de la simulación dinámica de sistemas SBR para la remoción de C, N y P de efluentes líquidos, en base al modelo de barros activados ASM3+BioP. Se incluyen resultados de la comparación entre el proceso SBR convencional y SBR con nitrificación externa, en base a la eficiencia de remoción de contaminantes y costos de inversión, operación y total, para diferentes condiciones de operación que cumplen con los límites de descarga considerados. Para el efluente estudiado, ambos procesos permiten cumplir los límites de descarga sin la adición de una fuente externa de C. El proceso SBR con nitrificación externa alcanza mayor remoción de N-nitratos y P total, mientras que la remoción de N-amoniacal se ve limitada. Si bien ambos procesos presentan costos totales específicos similares, el proceso SBR tiene un menor costo específico de inversión, mientras que el proceso SBR con nitrificación externa presenta menores costos de operación debido a una mayor eficiencia. Dado el elevado número de compromisos existentes entre las variables de operación, surge la necesidad de formular un modelo de optimización algorítmica que permita determinar simultáneamente las condiciones de operación que minimicen costos bajo especificaciones de descarga.Sociedad Argentina de Informática e Investigación Operativ

Cardio-Facio-Cutaneous Syndrome: Clinical Features, Diagnosis, and Management Guidelines

Cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome (CFC) is one of the RASopathies that bears many clinical features in common with the other syndromes in this group, most notably Noonan syndrome and Costello syndrome. CFC is genetically heterogeneous and caused by gene mutations in the Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. the major features of CFC include characteristic craniofacial dysmorphology, congenital heart disease, dermatologic abnormalities, growth retardation, and intellectual disability. It is essential that this condition be differentiated from other RASopathies, as a correct diagnosis is important for appropriate medical management and determining recurrence risk. Children and adults with CFC require multidisciplinary care from specialists, and the need for comprehensive management has been apparent to families and health care professionals caring for affected individuals. To address this need, CFC International, a nonprofit family support organization that provides a forum for information, support, and facilitation of research in basic medical and social issues affecting individuals with CFC, organized a consensus conference. Experts in multiple medical specialties provided clinical management guidelines for pediatricians and other care providers. These guidelines will assist in an accurate diagnosis of individuals with CFC, provide best practice recommendations, and facilitate long-term medical care.CFC International, Vestal, New YorkNational Institutes of HealthNational Institutes of Health (NIH)Univ Minnesota, Dept Pediat & Ophthalmol, Div Genet & Metab, Minneapolis, MN 55454 USAUniv Minnesota, Dept Pediat, Div Clin Behav Neuroscience, Minneapolis, MN 55454 USAChildrens Hosp & Clin Minnesota, St Paul, MN USATexas Childrens Hosp, Dept Mol & Human Genet, Houston, TX 77030 USABaylor Coll Med, Houston, TX 77030 USABenioff Childrens Hosp, Madison Clin Pediat Diabet, San Francisco, CA USAUniv Calif San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143 USAUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Med Genet Ctr, São Paulo, BrazilCatholic Univ, A Gemelli Sch Med, Inst Med Genet, Rome, ItalyUniv Kentucky, Dept Pediat, Lexington, KY USAUniv Texas Hlth Sci Ctr San Antonio, Dept Orthoped, San Antonio, TX 78229 USABoston Childrens Hosp, Dept Cardiol, Boston, MA USABoston Childrens Hosp, Div Genet, Boston, MA USAHarvard Univ, Sch Med, Boston, MA USAEmory Univ, Sch Med, Dept Human Genet, Atlanta, GA USAEmory Univ, Sch Med, Dept Ophthalmol, Atlanta, GA 30322 USAUniv Calif San Francisco, Dept Neurol, San Francisco, CA USAYoungstown State Univ, Special Educ & Sch Psychol, Dept Counseling, Youngstown, OH 44555 USACFC Int, Vestal, NY USAUniv Calif Davis, UC Davis MIND Inst, Dept Pediat, Div Genom Med, Sacramento, CA 95817 USAUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Med Genet Ctr, São Paulo, BrazilNational Institutes of Health: R01-AR062165Web of Scienc