UNA NUEVA ESPECIE DELICARIA(LAURACEAE) DEL SUR DE MÉXICO

Licaria chinanteca, a small tree from theChinantla region, Oaxaca, Mexico, isdescribed and illustrated. This species isdistinguished by its tomentose branchlets,tomentose lower leaf surfaces andinflorescences, botryod inflorescences, andthe glabrous flowers with whorl I staminodespresent and whorl III glands absent. Themorphological survey of the Mesoamericanspecies of Licaria suggests a closerelationship between L. chinanteca and L.mexicana. The known distribution of L.chinanteca points it out as an additionalendemic of the Chinantla region.Se describe e ilustra Licaria chinanteca, unárbol bajo de la región de la Chinantla,Oaxaca, México. Esta especie se distinguepor sus ramillas, envés de las hojas einflorescencias tomentosas, inflorescenciabotrioide, flores glabras con estaminodios delverticilo I presentes y glándulas del verticiloIII ausentes. La morfología de las especiesdel género Licaria en el área mesoamericanasugiere una relación cercana entre L.chinanteca y L. mexicana. Por su distribución, L. chinanteca es una especie endémica más de la región de la Chinantla

Vascular endothelial growth factor regulates melanoma cell adhesion and growth in the bone marrow microenvironment via tumor cyclooxygenase-2

Background: Human melanoma frequently colonizes bone marrow (BM) since its earliest stage of systemic dissemination, prior to clinical metastasis occurrence. However, how melanoma cell adhesion and proliferation mechanisms are regulated within bone marrow stromal cell (BMSC) microenvironment remain unclear. Consistent with the prometastatic role of inflammatory and angiogenic factors, several studies have reported elevated levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in melanoma although its pathogenic role in bone marrow melanoma metastasis is unknown. Methods: Herein we analyzed the effect of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor celecoxib in a model of generalized BM dissemination of left cardiac ventricle-injected B16 melanoma (B16M) cells into healthy and bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-pretreated mice to induce inflammation. In addition, B16M and human A375 melanoma (A375M) cells were exposed to conditioned media from basal and LPS-treated primary cultured murine and human BMSCs, and the contribution of COX-2 to the adhesion and proliferation of melanoma cells was also studied. Results: Mice given one single intravenous injection of LPS 6 hour prior to cancer cells significantly increased B16M metastasis in BM compared to untreated mice; however, administration of oral celecoxib reduced BM metastasis incidence and volume in healthy mice, and almost completely abrogated LPS-dependent melanoma metastases. In vitro, untreated and LPS-treated murine and human BMSC-conditioned medium (CM) increased VCAM-1-dependent BMSC adherence and proliferation of B16M and A375M cells, respectively, as compared to basal medium-treated melanoma cells. Addition of celecoxib to both B16M and A375M cells abolished adhesion and proliferation increments induced by BMSC-CM. TNF alpha and VEGF secretion increased in the supernatant of LPS-treated BMSCs; however, anti-VEGF neutralizing antibodies added to B16M and A375M cells prior to LPS-treated BMSC-CM resulted in a complete abrogation of both adhesion-and proliferation-stimulating effect of BMSC on melanoma cells. Conversely, recombinant VEGF increased adherence to BMSC and proliferation of both B16M and A375M cells, compared to basal medium-treated cells, while addition of celecoxib neutralized VEGF effects on melanoma. Recombinant TNFa induced B16M production of VEGF via COX-2-dependent mechanism. Moreover, exogenous PGE2 also increased B16M cell adhesion to immobilized recombinant VCAM-1. Conclusions: We demonstrate the contribution of VEGF-induced tumor COX-2 to the regulation of adhesion-and proliferation-stimulating effects of TNFa, from endotoxin-activated bone marrow stromal cells, on VLA-4-expressingThis work was supported in part by grants from the Basque Country Government (IT-487-07), the ISCIII (ADE09/90041), and the Burdinola Professorship on Molecular Medicin

The construction of infant and primary school teachers’ identity during their initial professional development and first years of work (Identidoc). Summary, main results and contributions

Podeu consultar el simposi sencer a: http://hdl.handle.net/2445/50680Podeu consultar la versió en català de la comunicació a: http://hdl.handle.net/2445/50728Educators who are currently beginning their professional career at any level of the educational system and who will likely have to work during the next thirty to forty years will be taking part in the education of individuals who, with the permission of prophets and doomsayers, will live part of their lives in the 22nd century. That long but simple statement causes a bit of vertigo as well as a good amount of reflection on the part of we educators who were trained in the 20th century, are working in the 21st century, and are responsible for preparing people to build a tomorrow that is already today (Millán and Sancho, 1995). This is the starting point of our research groups’ interest in exploring how men and women who have graduated from teacher education programs with specializations in infant and primary education learn to be teachers, and how they establish and position themselves as teachers during their university studies and the first years of their professional life..

Ascomicetos asociados a angiospermas en el bosque mesófilo de montaña del centro de Veracruz, México

Background and Aims: Little is known about ascomycete fungi associated with angiosperms that inhabit cloud forest in Mexico. Hence, the aim of this work is to contribute to the knowledge of ascomycete diversity in this kind of forest in the state of Veracruz, Mexico.Methods: Opportunistic sampling was carried out in five localities with cloud forest fragments in the municipalities of Coatepec, San Andrés Tlalnelhuayocan and Xalapa. Specimens were studied macro and microscopically following routine techniques in order to identify them with specialized literature. Whenever possible the host on which the fungi were growing was identified.Key results: We found 13 species of ascomycete fungi belonging to the orders Diaporthales (family Gnomoniaceae), Helotiales (Dermateaceae, Helotiaceae), Hypocreales (Bionectriaceae, Niessliaceae), Orbiliales (Orbiliaceae) and Pleosporales (Massarinaceae, Montagnulaceae). Seven of the studied species are new records for Mexico, two are new for Veracruz, one corresponds to an undescribed species and three species are previously acknowledged records in this type of forest, but their descriptions are amended. Hydropisphaera suffulta was found growing naturally with its anamorph Acremonium sp. We also report a case of mycoparasitism between the genera Letendraea helminthicola and Helminthosporium velutinum. The species here discussed were found growing on individuals of the families Altingiaceae (Liquidambar styraciflua), Boraginaceae (Varronia sp.), Fabaceae (Inga inicuil), Fagaceae (Quercus sp.), Piperaceae (Piper spp.), and four on unidentified wood.Conclusions: The cloud forest is an important reservoir of the diversity of ascomycete fungi in Mexico and, in this case, for Veracruz state. In this study we report species of the families Montagnulaceae and Niessliaceae, that until now had not been recorded in this type of vegetation. Furthermore, we found seven species that are new records for Mexico, and two more for Veracruz, and an apparently undescribed species of the genus Belonopsis is registered.Antecedentes y Objetivos: Aún se conoce poco de los hongos ascomicetos asociados a angiospermas que habitan en el bosque mesófilo de montaña en México, por lo que el objetivo del presente trabajo es incrementar el conocimiento de estos hongos que habitan en ese tipo de vegetación en el estado de Veracruz, México.Métodos: Se realizaron muestreos oportunistas en cinco localidades con fragmentos de bosque mesófilo de montaña en los municipios Coatepec, San Andrés Tlalnelhuayocan y Xalapa. Los especímenes se estudiaron macro y microscópicamente siguiendo las técnicas rutinarias para ascomicetos, utilizando literatura especializada para su identificación. Siempre que fue posible se identificó el hospedero sobre el cual estaban creciendo.Resultados clave: Se encontraron 13 especies de ascomicetos pertenecientes a los órdenes Diaporthales (familia Gnomoniaceae), Helotiales (Dermateaceae, Helotiaceae), Hypocreales (Bionectriaceae, Niessliaceae), Orbiliales (Orbiliaceae) y Pleosporales (Massarinaceae, Montagnulaceae). De las especies estudiadas siete son nuevos registros para México, dos para Veracruz, una pertenece a una especie no descrita y tres son especies previamente citadas para el país, pero se añaden nuevos datos descriptivos. Hydropisphaera suffulta se encontró creciendo de manera natural con su anamorfo Acremonium sp. Además, se cita un caso de micoparasitismo entre Letendraea helminthicola y Helminthosporium velutinum. Los hongos se encontraron creciendo en individuos de las familias Altingiaceae (Liquidambar styraciflua), Boraginaceae (Varronia sp.), Fabaceae (Inga inicuil), Fagaceae (Quercus sp.), Piperaceae (Piper spp.) y cuatro sobre madera de origen desconocido.Conclusiones: El bosque mesófilo de montaña es un reservorio importante de la diversidad de hongos ascomicetos en México y, en este caso, para el estado de Veracruz. En el presente estudio se citan especies de las familias Montagnulaceae y Niessliaceae, que hasta ahora no se habían registrado en este tipo de vegetación. Además se encontraron siete especies que son nuevos registros para México, dos más para Veracruz, y se registra una especie al parecer no descrita del género Belonopsis

Hiponatremia grave en Macroadenoma Hipofisario, ¿la infección por COVID-19 la exacerba?

We present the case of a 59-year-old man admitted to our center for severe hyponatremia and COVID-19 infection.Presentamos el caso de un varón de 59 años ingresado en nuestro centro por hiponatremia grave e infección por COVID-19

Early-Career Coordinated Distributed Experiments: Empowerment Through Collaboration

Este artículo contiene 7 páginas, 1 tabla, 3 figuras.Coordinated distributed experiments (CDEs) enable the study of large-scale ecological patterns in geographically dispersed areas, while simultaneously providing broad academic and personal benefits for the participants. However, the effective involvement of early-career researchers (ECRs) presents major challenges. Here, we analyze the benefits and challenges of the first CDE exclusively led and conducted by ECRs (i.e. ECR-CDE), which sets a baseline for similar CDEs, and we provide recommendations for successful CDE execution. ECR-CDEs achieve most of the outcomes identified in conventional CDEs as well as extensive benefits for the young cohort of researchers, including: (i) receiving scientific credit, (ii) peer-training in new concepts and methods, (iii) developing leadership and communication skills, (iv) promoting a peer network among ECRs, and (v) building on individual engagement and independence. We also discuss the challenges of ECR-CDEs, which are mainly derived from the lack of independence and instability of the participants, and we suggest mechanisms to address them, such as resource re-allocation and communication strategies. We conclude that ECR-CDEs can be a relevant tool to empower ECRs across disciplines by fostering their training, networking and personal well-being.The authors were supported by the following founding: NC the support of the Beatriu de Pinós postdoctoral program of the Government of Catalonia’s Secretariat for Universities and Research of the Ministry of Economy and Knowledge (BP2016- 00215), EE by a predoctoral grant from the Basque Government (2014-2017), AB by a Generalitat de Catalunya—Beatriu de Pinós (BP-00385-2016), AMG-F by a predoctoral research grant (BES-2013-065770) from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, MAr by a postdoctoral grant from the Basque Government, MIA by a Juan de la Cierva postdoctoral grant (FJCI-2015-26192), PR-L by a Margalida Comas postdoctoral contract (PD/031/2018) funded by the Government of the Balearic Islands and the European Social Fund, AP by a Ramón Areces Foundation Postdoctoral Scholarship, and AL by a Kempe Foundation stipend. DOMIPEX project was founded by the First Call of Collaborative Projects among Young Researchers of the Iberian Association of Limnology (AIL; 2013-2015).Peer reviewe

Treatment with tocilizumab or corticosteroids for COVID-19 patients with hyperinflammatory state: a multicentre cohort study (SAM-COVID-19)

Objectives: The objective of this study was to estimate the association between tocilizumab or corticosteroids and the risk of intubation or death in patients with coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) with a hyperinflammatory state according to clinical and laboratory parameters. Methods: A cohort study was performed in 60 Spanish hospitals including 778 patients with COVID-19 and clinical and laboratory data indicative of a hyperinflammatory state. Treatment was mainly with tocilizumab, an intermediate-high dose of corticosteroids (IHDC), a pulse dose of corticosteroids (PDC), combination therapy, or no treatment. Primary outcome was intubation or death; follow-up was 21 days. Propensity score-adjusted estimations using Cox regression (logistic regression if needed) were calculated. Propensity scores were used as confounders, matching variables and for the inverse probability of treatment weights (IPTWs). Results: In all, 88, 117, 78 and 151 patients treated with tocilizumab, IHDC, PDC, and combination therapy, respectively, were compared with 344 untreated patients. The primary endpoint occurred in 10 (11.4%), 27 (23.1%), 12 (15.4%), 40 (25.6%) and 69 (21.1%), respectively. The IPTW-based hazard ratios (odds ratio for combination therapy) for the primary endpoint were 0.32 (95%CI 0.22-0.47; p < 0.001) for tocilizumab, 0.82 (0.71-1.30; p 0.82) for IHDC, 0.61 (0.43-0.86; p 0.006) for PDC, and 1.17 (0.86-1.58; p 0.30) for combination therapy. Other applications of the propensity score provided similar results, but were not significant for PDC. Tocilizumab was also associated with lower hazard of death alone in IPTW analysis (0.07; 0.02-0.17; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Tocilizumab might be useful in COVID-19 patients with a hyperinflammatory state and should be prioritized for randomized trials in this situatio

Extinction risk of Mesoamerican crop wild relatives

Ensuring food security is one of the world's most critical issues as agricultural systems are already being impacted by global change. Crop wild relatives (CWR)—wild plants related to crops—possess genetic variability that can help adapt agriculture to a changing environment and sustainably increase crop yields to meet the food security challenge. Here we report the results of an extinction risk assessment of 224 wild relatives of some of the world's most important crops (i.e. chilli pepper, maize, common bean, avocado, cotton, potato, squash, vanilla and husk tomato) in Mesoamerica—an area of global significance as a centre of crop origin, domestication and of high CWR diversity. We show that 35% of the selected CWR taxa are threatened with extinction according to The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List demonstrates that these valuable genetic resources are under high anthropogenic threat. The dominant threat processes are land use change for agriculture and farming, invasive and other problematic species (e.g. pests, genetically modified organisms) and use of biological resources, including overcollection and logging. The most significant drivers of extinction relate to smallholder agriculture—given its high incidence and ongoing shifts from traditional agriculture to modern practices (e.g. use of herbicides)—smallholder ranching and housing and urban development and introduced genetic material. There is an urgent need to increase knowledge and research around different aspects of CWR. Policies that support in situ and ex situ conservation of CWR and promote sustainable agriculture are pivotal to secure these resources for the benefit of current and future generations