Recognition of the genus Thaumatophyllum Schott − formerly Philodendron subg. Meconostigma (Araceae) − based on molecular and morphological evidence

Philodendron subgenus Meconostigma has been a well-circumscribed group since 1829. Members of this group are easily distinguished by diagnostic morphological characters as well as by a distinct ecology and geographical distribution. Based on molecular, morphological and cytological evidence, we propose the recognition of P. subg. Meconostigma as a distinct genus, Thaumatophyllum Schott. We also present the necessary new combinations, an emended key and some nomenclatural and taxonomic corrections regarding 21 names of Thaumatophyllum

Coulomb correlations effects on localized charge relaxation in the coupled quantum dots

We analyzed localized charge time evolution in the system of two interacting quantum dots (QD) (artificial molecule) coupled with the continuous spectrum states. We demonstrated that Coulomb interaction modifies relaxation rates and is responsible for non-monotonic time evolution of the localized charge. We suggested new mechanism of this non-monotonic charge time evolution connected with charge redistribution between different relaxation channels in each QD.Comment: 10 pages, 10 figure

Contemporary Tendencies in Mediation

Editors: Humberto dalla Bernardina de Pinho, Juliana Loss de AndradePresentation / Humberto Dalla Bernardina de Pinho, Juliana Loss de Andrade. -- Mediation in England / Neil Andrews. -- Un Reto para la Mediación: el Diseño de su Código Deontológico / Nuria Belloso Martín. -- Alternative Dispute Resolution and Aboriginal-Crown Reconciliation in Canada / Roshan Danesh, Jessica Dickson. -- A False ‘Prince Charming’ Keeps ‘Sleeping Beauty’ in a Coma: On Voluntary Mediation Being the True Oxymoron of Dispute Resolution Policy / Giuseppe De Palo. -- Programa de Derivación Judicial en Puerto Rico Desde la Perspectiva de la Mediación / Jacqueline N. Font-Guzmán. -- Mediation in Switzerland / Isabelle Hering. -- Reconocimiento y eficacia de los acuerdos de mediación mercantil internacional / Juliana Loss de Andrade. -- The Uses of Mediation / Lela P. Love, Joseph B. Stulberg. -- Multi-Dimensional Mediation / Paul E. Mason. -- “Italy Is Doing It – Should We Be?” Civil and Commercial Mediation in Italy / Giovanni Matteucci. -- Limites dos Meios Alternativos de Conflito / José Marinho Paulo Junior. -- New Perspectives of Civil and Commercial Mediation in Brazil / Humberto Dalla Bernardina de Pinho. -- Practical Impacts of Theoretical Lenses / Elton Simoes, Andrea Maia. -- Development and Resistance in South Europe Justice Systems to Restorative Justice / Helena Soleto Muño

TRATAMENTO CIRÚRGICO DAS PTOSES PALPEBRAIS: PERSPECTIVAS OFTALMOLÓGICAS E ESTÉTICAS

 The correction of eyelid ptosis, whether for aesthetic or functional reasons, is a specialized area in ophthalmology that seeks to restore not only facial aesthetics, but also adequate visual function. This surgical process, often customized to meet each patient's unique needs, involves complex considerations from both an ophthalmological and aesthetic perspective. We will explore the importance of integrating these two aspects to ensure satisfactory results, addressing both demographic variations and the ophthalmological complexities involved in the treatment of eyelid ptosis. Objective: Understand the surgical techniques, perspectives and results achieved through the procedure. Conclusion: In conclusion, surgical treatment of eyelid ptosis represents a careful integration of ophthalmological and aesthetic considerations. The search for satisfactory results is not limited only to functional correction, but also aims to improve facial harmony and the patient's self-esteem.A correção das ptoses palpebrais, seja por motivos estéticos ou funcionais, é uma área especializada na oftalmologia que busca restabelecer não apenas a estética facial, mas também a função visual adequada. Este processo cirúrgico, frequentemente personalizado para atender às necessidades únicas de cada paciente, envolve considerações complexas tanto do ponto de vista oftalmológico quanto estético. Exploraremos a importância da integração desses dois aspectos para garantir resultados satisfatórios, abordando tanto as variações demográficas quanto as complexidades oftalmológicas envolvidas no tratamento das ptoses palpebrais. Objetivo: Compreender as técnicas cirúrgicas, perspectivas e resultados alcançados por meio do procedimento. Conclusão: Em conclusão, o tratamento cirúrgico das ptoses palpebrais representa uma integração cuidadosa entre considerações oftalmológicas e estéticas. A busca por resultados satisfatórios não se limita apenas à correção funcional, mas também visa aprimorar a harmonia facial e a autoestima do paciente

Canagliflozin and renal outcomes in type 2 diabetes and nephropathy

BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes mellitus is the leading cause of kidney failure worldwide, but few effective long-term treatments are available. In cardiovascular trials of inhibitors of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2), exploratory results have suggested that such drugs may improve renal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS In this double-blind, randomized trial, we assigned patients with type 2 diabetes and albuminuric chronic kidney disease to receive canagliflozin, an oral SGLT2 inhibitor, at a dose of 100 mg daily or placebo. All the patients had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 30 to <90 ml per minute per 1.73 m2 of body-surface area and albuminuria (ratio of albumin [mg] to creatinine [g], >300 to 5000) and were treated with renin–angiotensin system blockade. The primary outcome was a composite of end-stage kidney disease (dialysis, transplantation, or a sustained estimated GFR of <15 ml per minute per 1.73 m2), a doubling of the serum creatinine level, or death from renal or cardiovascular causes. Prespecified secondary outcomes were tested hierarchically. RESULTS The trial was stopped early after a planned interim analysis on the recommendation of the data and safety monitoring committee. At that time, 4401 patients had undergone randomization, with a median follow-up of 2.62 years. The relative risk of the primary outcome was 30% lower in the canagliflozin group than in the placebo group, with event rates of 43.2 and 61.2 per 1000 patient-years, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.59 to 0.82; P=0.00001). The relative risk of the renal-specific composite of end-stage kidney disease, a doubling of the creatinine level, or death from renal causes was lower by 34% (hazard ratio, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.81; P<0.001), and the relative risk of end-stage kidney disease was lower by 32% (hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.54 to 0.86; P=0.002). The canagliflozin group also had a lower risk of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke (hazard ratio, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.67 to 0.95; P=0.01) and hospitalization for heart failure (hazard ratio, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.47 to 0.80; P<0.001). There were no significant differences in rates of amputation or fracture. CONCLUSIONS In patients with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease, the risk of kidney failure and cardiovascular events was lower in the canagliflozin group than in the placebo group at a median follow-up of 2.62 years

The Evolution of the earth and its inhabitants; a series of lectures delivered before the Yale chapter of the Sigma xi during the academic year 1916-1917,

Mode of access: Internet

Floral Evolution of <i>Philodendron</i> Subgenus <i>Meconostigma</i> (Araceae)

<div><p>Elucidating the evolutionary patterns of flower and inflorescence structure is pivotal to understanding the phylogenetic relationships of Angiosperms as a whole. The inflorescence morphology and anatomy of <i>Philodendron</i> subgenus <i>Meconostigma</i>, belonging to the monocot family Araceae, has been widely studied but the evolutionary relationships of subgenus <i>Meconostigma</i> and the evolution of its flower characters have hitherto remained unclear. This study examines gynoecium evolution in subgenus <i>Meconostigma</i> in the context of an estimated molecular phylogeny for all extant species of subgenus <i>Meconostigma</i> and analysis of ancestral character reconstructions of some gynoecial structures. The phylogenetic reconstructions of all extant <i>Meconostigma</i> species were conducted under a maximum likelihood approach based on the sequences of two chloroplast (<i>trn</i>k and <i>matK</i>) and two nuclear (ETS and 18S) markers. This topology was used to reconstruct the ancestral states of seven floral characters and to elucidate their evolutionary pattern in the <i>Meconostigma</i> lineage. Our phylogeny shows that <i>Meconostigma</i> is composed of two major clades, one comprising two Amazonian species and the other all the species from the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado biomes with one Amazonian species. The common ancestor of the species of subgenus <i>Meconostigma</i> probably possessed short stylar lobes, long stylar canals, a stylar body, a vascular plexus in the gynoecium and druses in the stylar parenchyma but it is uncertain whether raphide inclusions were present in the parenchyma. The ancestral lineage also probably possessed up to 10 ovary locules. The evolution of these characters seems to have occurred independently in some lineages. We propose that the morphological and anatomical diversity observed in the gynoecial structures of subgenus <i>Meconostigma</i> is the result of an ongoing process of fusion of floral structures leading to a reduction of energy wastage and increase in stigmatic surface.</p></div