Relationships between hydroperiod length, and seasonal and spatial patterns of beta-diversity of the microcrustacean assemblages in Mediterranean ponds

Temporary ponds are unpredictable habitats that exhibit inundation periods of variable duration (hydroperiods). We hypothesised that changes in microcrustacean assemblages, namely among ponds (spatial variation) and within ponds at a monthly scale (intra-annual variation), would differ according to hydroperiod length. We found that the microcrustacean assemblages of the study ponds demonstrated distinctive individual patterns that were dependent on monthly variation. During pond filling, species turnover was particularly high in short-hydroperiod ponds, probably due to the fast hatching of the initial pool of species, which seemed to determine subsequent species succession. Some of the long-hydroperiod ponds were able to hold water during the summer, which meant that they could harbour adult microcrustaceans in the early autumn, in contrast to the recently filled ponds; species turnover could thus increase at the onset of the inundation cycle. In the summer, species turnover decreased (while the contribution of nestedness to β-diversity increased) because only a few tolerant species were able to withstand the poor water quality found in drying ponds. We suggest that preserving the broader hydroperiod gradient, by protecting ponds with different environmental conditions within each hydroperiod category, would safeguard the ecological dynamics of the microcrustacean assemblages found in temporary pondsPeer reviewe

Spatio-temporal nested patterns in macroinvertebrate assemblages across a pond network with a wide hydroperiod range

Nestedness has been widely used to measure the structure of biological communities and occurs when species-poor sites contain subsets of species-rich ones. Here, we examine nested patterns across the macroinvertebrate assemblages of 91 ponds in Doñana National Park, Spain, and explore temporal variation of nestedness and species richness in 19 temporary ponds over 2 years with differing rainfall. Macroinvertebrate assemblages were significantly nested; both pond spatial arrangement and environmental variation being important in driving nested patterns. Despite the nested structure observed, a number of taxa and ponds deviate from this pattern (termed idiosyncratic), by occurring more frequently than expected in species-poor sites, or having assemblages dominated by species largely absent from species-rich sites. Aquatic adults of winged insects, capable of dispersal, were more highly nested than non-dispersing taxa and life-history stages. Idiosyncratic taxa were found in ponds spanning a wide range of hydroperiods, although nestedness was higher in more permanent waterbodies. Monthly sampling demonstrated a gradual increase of species richness and nestedness from pond filling to April-May, when the most temporary ponds started to dry. Although the degree of nestedness of individual pond assemblages varied from month to month, the overall degree of nestedness in the two study years was practically identical despite marked differences in hydroperiod. Our results suggest that differential colonization and environmental variation are key processes driving the nested structure of Doñana ponds, that macroinvertebrate assemblages change in a predictable manner each year in response to cycles of pond wetting and drying, and that connectivity and environmental variability maintain biodiversity in pond networks. © 2010 Springer-Verlag.Peer Reviewe

Mediterranean temporary ponds as amphibian breeding habitats: The importance of preserving pond networks

We describe the spatial and temporal variation in the main characteristics of amphibian breeding habitats in Doñana National Park (south of Spain), during two hydrologic cycles with different rainfall amounts and timing (2002-2003 and 2005-2006). We also evaluate amphibian habitat requirements following a model selection approach based on Akaike's Information Criterion. Our results evidenced large spatial variability in all pond characteristics and inter-annual differences in pond hydroperiod, depth, and most water-chemistry characteristics. We observed a remarkable independence of pond characteristics at different sampling dates, suggesting that a pond description based on a single survey may not be representative. Eight of nine amphibian species attempted breeding in both years in spite of the marked inter-annual variability. Habitat models were species-specific and year-specific, as we found inter-annual differences in the pond characteristics relevant for species richness or for the relative abundance of particular species. All these results suggest that this large and diverse network of ponds provides different habitat opportunities each year, favouring the long-term persistence of the whole amphibian community. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2009.Peer Reviewe

Programa de Promoción de la Salud en el Adulto Mayor de los Centros Vida de la Comunas 3 y 4 de la Ciudad de Villavicencio .

33 h.Elaborar un Programa de Estilos Promotores de Vida Saludable para el adulto mayor, junto con el grupo de líderes de las instituciones participantes que recibió el curso en la primera fase de este Macro proyecto educativo. Identificar los estilos promotores de salud de los adultos mayores en las instituciones participantes, teniendo en cuenta el modelo de promoción de la salud de la teorista No la Pender. Elaborar una propuesta de programa que fomente los estilos de vida promotores de salud para los adultos mayores, desde los lineamientos de la política pública y las condiciones de salud que se encuentren los adultos mayores en los Centros Vida.Resultado Final para Obtener el Título de Enfermera (o), Proyección Social (Enfermería). Universidad de los Llanos. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Programa de Enfermería, 2016.PregradoEnfermerí

Poly-l/dl-lactic acid films functionalized with collagen IV as carrier substrata for corneal epithelial stem cells

Limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs) are responsible for the renewal of corneal epithelium. Cultivated limbal epithelial transplantation is the current treatment of choice for restoring the loss or dysfunction of LESCs. To perform this procedure, a substratum is necessary for in vitro culturing of limbal epithelial cells and their subsequent transplantation onto the ocular surface. In this work, we evaluated poly-L/DL-lactic acid 70:30 (PLA) films functionalized with type IV collagen (col IV) as potential in vitro carrier substrata for LESCs. We first demonstrated that PLA-col IV films were biocompatible and suitable for the proliferation of human corneal epithelial cells. Subsequently, limbal epithelial cell suspensions, isolated from human limbal rings, were cultivated using culture medium that did not contain animal components. The cells adhered significantly faster to PLA-col IV films than to tissue culture plastic (TCP). The mRNA expression levels for the LESC specific markers, K15, P63α and ABCG2 were similar or greater (significantly in the case of K15) in limbal epithelial cells cultured on PLA-col IV films than limbal epithelial cells cultured on TCP. The percentage of cells expressing the corneal (K3, K12) and the LESC (P63α, ABCG2) specific markers was similar for both substrata. These results suggest that the PLA-col IV films promoted LESC attachment and helped to maintain their undifferentiated stem cell phenotype. Consequently, these substrata offer an alternative for the transplantation of limbal cells onto the ocular surface.This work was supported by the Carlos III National Institute of Health, Spain (CIBER-BBN and Spanish Network on Cell Therapy, (TerCel RD12/0019/0036), MINECO/FEDER, EU), and the Castilla y León Regional Government, Spain (Regional Center for Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy, SAN673/VA/28/08 and SAN126/VA11/09)

Therapeutic Effect of Human Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Experimental Corneal Failure Due to Limbal Stem Cell Niche Damage

Producción CientíficaLimbal stem cells are responsible for the continuous renewal of the corneal epithelium. The destruction or dysfunction of these stem cells or their niche induces limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) leading to visual loss, chronic pain, and inflammation of the ocular surface. To restore the ocular surface in cases of bilateral LSCD, an extraocular source of stem cells is needed to avoid dependence on allogeneic limbal stem cells that are difficult to obtain, isolate, and culture. The aim of this work was to test the tolerance and the efficacy of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAT-MSCs) to regenerate the ocular surface in two experimental models of LSCD that closely resemble the different severity grades of the human pathology. hAT-MSCs transplanted to the ocular surface of the partial and total LSCD models developed in rabbits were well tolerated, migrated to inflamed tissues, reduced inflammation, and restrained the evolution of corneal neovascularization and corneal opacity. The expression profile of the corneal epithelial cell markers CK3 and E-cadherin, and the limbal epithelial cell markers CK15 and p63 was lost in the LSCD models, but was partially recovered after hAT-MSC transplantation. For the first time, we demonstrated that hAT-MSCs improves corneal and limbal epithelial phenotypes in animal LSCD models. These results support the potential use of hAT-MSCs as a novel treatment of ocular surface failure due to LSCD. hAT-MSCs represent an available, non-immunogenic source of stem cells that may provide therapeutic benefits in addition to reduce health care expenses.This work was supported by Instituto de Salud Carlos III, CIBER‐BBN, Spain (CB06/01/003 MINECO/FEDER, EU); Regional Center for Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy, Castilla y León, Spain; Ministry of Science and Innovation, Spain (SAF2010–14900); Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness and European Regional Development Fund, Spain (SAF2015–63594‐R MINECO/FEDER, EU

The influence of geomorphology on the composition of aquatic flora and fauna withim a temporary pond network

Geomorphological and hydrological features can provide a sound basis for global wetland classification. Temporary ponds located on the sandy area of Doñana can be classified into five different geomorphological areas. We hypothesised that these ponds would differ in soil characteristics, which may also explain differences in the composition of their macroinvertebrate, amphibian, and aquatic plant species assemblages. The study ponds were significantly segregated into southern and northern geomorphological areas based on the depth to the water table. The results of the multivariate ordination of soil variables were consistent with a north-south segregation, which was explained by the carbonate and other main ion concentrations in the pond basins. The ponds located in ecotones (marsh-sand and stable-mobile dunes) were particularly rich in amphibians and macroinvertebrates. This result may be explained because the ponds with the longest permanence of water were located in these areas, which represented the only flooded ponds during droughts. In addition, they also contained a high number of temporary ponds, thus favouring connectivity and environmental heterogeneity in these areas

Subsistema Nacional de Recursos Genéticos Acuáticos: uso de la criopreservación para la conservación de los recursos genéticos acuáticos en México

Due to the relevance of mantaining genetic aquatic resources as well as other genetic resources within the alimentary sovereignty of the country, the Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fishery and Food (SAGARPA) and through the General Direction of Technological Transfer and Development and the National Institute of Fishery (INAPESCA), had established the National Subsystem for Aquatic Genetic Resources (SUBNARGENA) which works as an inter-institutional and interdisciplinary network for the conservation and sustainable use of the aquatic biodiversity of Mexico. The objectives of the SUBNARGENA are to localize, collect, conserve (as in situ, ex situ in vivo and ex situ in vitro) and genetically characterize the germplasm of aquatic organism of biological or commercial interest and declared as a priority for the nation. Thus, the goal of this paper is to present the work performed by SUBNARGENA and the advances made in the criopreservation of select aquatic genetic resources of Mexico.Dada la importancia de mantener los recursos genéticos acuáticos, además de otros recursos genéticos en la soberanía alimentaria del país, la Secretaría de Agricultura, Ganadería, Desarrollo Rural, Pesca y Alimentación (SAGARPA) y a través de la Dirección General de Vinculación y Desarrollo Tecnológico y del Instituto Nacional de Pesca (INAPESCA), han establecido el Subsistema Nacional de Recursos Genéticos Acuáticos (SUBNARGENA), el cual funciona como una red interinstitucional e interdisciplinaria para la conservación y aprovechamiento sostenible de la biodiversidad acuática de México. Los objetivos del SUBNARGENA son localizar, recolectar, conservar (de forma in situ, ex situ in vivo y ex situ in vitro), y caracterizar genéticamente el germoplasma de organismos acuáticos de interés biológico o comercial y que son declarados como una prioridad para la nación. Por tanto, el objetivo de este manuscrito es presentar el trabajo realizado por el SUBNARGENA y los avances hechos en la criopreservación de algunos de los recursos genéticos acuáticos de México

Temporay ponds from Doñana National Park : a system of natural habitats for the preservation of aquatic flora and fauna

Mediterranean temporary ponds are a priority habitat under the European Union Habitats Directive, but those of natural origin are scarce, as many of them have been destroyed or transformed into permanent waters. The aim of this study is to highlight the conservation value of the system of temporary ponds in Doñana National Park, where more than 3000 water bodies may be filled during wet years. They are located on soils of aeolian origin where water persistence is favoured by the presence of an argilic semi permeable horizon and by a relic clay-rich sandy layer. Temporary ponds can be classified across a wide hydroperiod gradient. Most ponds fill with autumnal or winter rains and persist up to late spring or summer, and only a few may persist through summer. Eight of the 11 amphibian species of this area require temporary ponds for breeding. More than 124 taxa ofmacroinvertebrates have been recorded, coleopterans (56 taxa) and heteropterans (19 taxa) being the richest taxonomic groups. Several zoop1ankton species are endemic to this kind of habitats, such as the copepod Dussartius baeticus and the rotifer Lecane donyanensis. Regarding vegetation, at least 55 hydrophytes species were identified in the ponds sampled, and also some species endemic to SW Iberian Peninsula (Callitriche regis-jubae. Scorzonerajistulosa, Callitriche lusitanica) and others are in relic situation (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae, Thorella verticillato-inundata, Lemna trisulca). The conservation value of these ponds is highlighted by the large variety of protected ancl!or rare species of fiora and fauna, which are favoured by a high pond abundance and connectivity.Las lagunas temporales mediterráneas son hábitats prioritarios incluidos en la Directiva de Hábitats de la Unión Europea. que han sido frecuentemente destruídos o transformados en medios permanentes. siendo actualmente escasos los de origen natural. Este estudio pretende resaltar la importancia que tiene el sistema de charcas temporales del Parque Nacional de Doñana en la conservación de flora y fauna acuáticas. Este sistema comprende más de 3000 cuerpos de agua en años lluviosos, localizándose en las zonas de origen eólico, donde la permanencia del agua se ve favorecida por la presencia en sus suelos de un horizonte argz1ico y semipermeable y por una capa arenosa relicta rica en arcillas. Las lagunas temporales se pueden clasificar en función de su amplio gradiente de hidroperiodo. La mayoría de ellas se llenan con las lluvias de otoño o invierno y pueden permanecer hasta el final de la primavera o principios del verano y sólo algunas pueden mantener agua en verano. Las lagunas temporales son los hábitats de reproducción de ocho de las 11 especies de anfibios que se encuentran en Doñana. Se registraron más de 124 taxa de maeroinvertebrados, entre los que los coleópteros (56 taxa) y heterópteros (19 taxa) fueron los grupos taxonómicos con mayor número de especies. En el zooplancton. destacan especies endémicas de este área, como el copépodo Dussartius baeticus y el rotífero Lecane donyanensis. Entre las especies vegetales características de las lagunas temporales se han identificado más de 55 hidrójitos, encontrándose además algunos endemismos del suroeste ibérico (Callitriche regis-jubae, Scorzonera fistulosa, Callitriehe lusitanica) , así como especies amenazadas (Hydroeharis morsus-ranae, Thorella verticillato-inundata, Lemna trisulca). Las lagunas temporales de Doñana son de gran importancia para la conservación de un amplio número de especies protegidas y singulares de su flora y fauna acuática, que se ven favorecidas por la gran abundancia y conectividad de medios acuáticos