Nuevos resultados de la revisión taxonómica de los géneros Palicourea y Psychotria (Rubiaceae, Psychotrieae) en Cuba

The authors carried out a taxonomic study and revised and identified about 7,000 herbarium sheets of the genera Palicourea and Psychotria preserved in the collections of the Academy of Sciences of Cuba (HAC) and of the National Botanical Garden of Cuba (HAJB) with the purpose to complete the manuscript in preparation for the volume of the Rubiaceae Family of the Flora of Cuba. The results are as follows: Recognized 20 species of the genus Palicourea and 59 species of Psychotria. Revalidated 4 species new to the Flora of Cuba: Palicourea brachystigma Urb., Psychotria brevinodis Urb., Psychotria earlei Urb. and Psychotria tubulocubensis Govaerts. Established 3 new combinations: Palicourea ekmanii (Urb.) Borhidi et Oviedo, Palicourea odorata (Wr. ex Griseb.) Borhidi et Oviedo and Psychotria costivenia subsp. clementis (Britt.) Borhidi et Oviedo. Recognized and described 9 species and 1 subspecies of the genus Psychotria new to science: P. bissei Borhidi et Oviedo, P. brittonii Oviedo et Borhidi, P. ermitensis Borhidi et Oviedo, P. cromophila Oviedo et Borhidi, P. oblongicarpa Borhidi et Oviedo, P. pulchrinervis Borhidi et Oviedo, P. reflexiloba Borhidi et Oviedo, Psychotria reflexipes Borhidi et Oviedo, Psychotria rubens Borhidi et Oviedo, Psychotria costivenia subsp. wrightiana Borhidi et Oviedo. Following the concept of C. W. Hamilton (1989) recognised 10 species groups, 5 of them identical with the described ones from Mexico and Central America: the carthagenensis group with 4 species, the costivenia group with 10 species, the graciliflora group with 9 species, the nervosa group with 3 and the tenuifolia group with 1 species. Furthermore, the authors established 5 new groups, characteristic for the Greater Antillean flora: cathetoneura group with 4 species, the evenia group with 7 species, the lasiophthalma group with 4 species, the revoluta group with 10 species and the shaferi group with 9 species

Response of ice cover on shallow lakes of the North Slope of Alaska to contemporary climate conditions (1950–2011): radar remote-sensing and numerical modeling data analysis

Air temperature and winter precipitation changes over the last five decades have impacted the timing, duration, and thickness of the ice cover on Arctic lakes as shown by recent studies. In the case of shallow tundra lakes, many of which are less than 3 m deep, warmer climate conditions could result in thinner ice covers and consequently, in a smaller fraction of lakes freezing to their bed in winter. However, these changes have not yet been comprehensively documented. The analysis of a 20 yr time series of European remote sensing satellite ERS-1/2 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data and a numerical lake ice model were employed to determine the response of ice cover (thickness, freezing to the bed, and phenology) on shallow lakes of the North Slope of Alaska (NSA) to climate conditions over the last six decades. Given the large area covered by these lakes, changes in the regional climate and weather are related to regime shifts in the ice cover of the lakes. Analysis of available SAR data from 1991 to 2011, from a sub-region of the NSA near Barrow, shows a reduction in the fraction of lakes that freeze to the bed in late winter. This finding is in good agreement with the decrease in ice thickness simulated with the Canadian Lake Ice Model (CLIMo), a lower fraction of lakes frozen to the bed corresponding to a thinner ice cover. Observed changes of the ice cover show a trend toward increasing floating ice fractions from 1991 to 2011, with the greatest change occurring in April, when the grounded ice fraction declined by 22% (α = 0.01). Model results indicate a trend toward thinner ice covers by 18–22 cm (no-snow and 53% snow depth scenarios, α = 0.01) during the 1991–2011 period and by 21–38 cm (α = 0.001) from 1950 to 2011. The longer trend analysis (1950–2011) also shows a decrease in the ice cover duration by ~24 days consequent to later freeze-up dates by 5.9 days (α = 0.1) and earlier break-up dates by 17.7–18.6 days (α = 0.001)

Cell Expansion-Dependent Inflammatory and Metabolic Profile of Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Stem cell therapy has emerged as a promising new area in regenerative medicine allowing the recovery of viable tissues. Among the many sources of adult stem cells, bone marrow-derived are easy to expand in culture via plastic adherence and their multipotentiality for differentiation make them ideal for clinical applications. Interestingly, several studies have indicated that MSCs expansion in vitro may be limited mainly due to cell aging related to the number of cell divisions in culture. We have determined that MSCs exhibit a progressive decline across successive passages in the expression of stem cell markers, in plasticity and in the inflammatory response, presenting low immunogenicity. We have exposed human MSCs after several passages to TLRs ligands and analyzed their inflammatory response. These cells responded to pro-inflammatory stimuli (i.e., NOS-2 expression) and to anti-inflammatory cytokines (i.e., HO1 and Arg1) until two expansions, rapidly declining upon subculture. Moreover, in the first passages, MSCs were capable to release IL1β, IL6 and IL8, as well as to produce active MMPs allowing them to migrate. Interestingly enough, after two passages, anaerobic glycolysis was enhanced releasing high levels of lactate to the extracellular medium. All these results may have important implications for the safety and efficacy of MSCs-based cell therapies

Modifying the magnetic response of magnetotactic bacteria: incorporation of Gd and Tb ions into the magnetosome structure

Magnetotactic bacteria Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense MSR-1 biosynthesise chains of cube–octahedral magnetosomes, which are 40 nm magnetite high quality (Fe3O4) nanoparticles. The magnetic properties of these crystalline magnetite nanoparticles, which can be modified by the addition of other elements into the magnetosome structure (doping), are of prime interest in a plethora of applications, those related to cancer therapy being some of the most promising ones. Although previous studies have focused on transition metal elements, rare earth (RE) elements are very interesting as doping agents, both from a fundamental point of view (e.g. significant differences in ionic sizes) and for the potential applications, especially in biomedicine (e.g. magnetic resonance imaging and luminescence). In this work, we have investigated the impact of Gd and Tb on the magnetic properties of magnetosomes by using different complementary techniques. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy analyses have revealed that a small amount of RE ions, ∼3–4%, incorporate into the Fe3O4 structure as Gd3+ and Tb3+ ions. The experimental magnetic characterisation has shown a clear Verwey transition for the RE-doped bacteria, located at T ∼ 100 K, which is slightly below the one corresponding to the undoped ones (106 K). However, we report a decrease in the coercivity and remanence of the RE-doped bacteria. Simulations based on the Stoner–Wohlfarth model have allowed us to associate these changes in the magnetic response with a reduction of the magnetocrystalline (KC) and, especially, the uniaxial (Kuni) anisotropies below the Verwey transition. In this way, Kuni reaches a value of 23 and 26 kJ m−3 for the Gd- and Tb-doped bacteria, respectively, whilst a value of 37 kJ m−3 is obtained for the undoped bacteria.This work was supported in part by the Spanish MCIN/AEI under Projects MAT2017-83631-C3-R and PID2020-115704RB-C33. The work of Elizabeth M. Jefremovas was supported by the “Concepción Arenal Grant” awarded by Gobierno de Cantabria and Universidad de Cantabria. The work of Lourdes Marcano was supported by the Postdoctoral Fellowship from the Basque Government under Grant POS-2019-2-0017. The authors would like to thank “Nanotechnology in translational hyperthermia” (HIPERNANO)-RED2018-102626-T. We thank the ALBA (CLAESS beamline) synchrotron radiation facilities and staff for the allocation of beamtime and assistance during the experiments

Impact exercise strategies in the HRQOL of the sedentary adults

El objetivo del estudio fue analizar la eficacia de diferentes estrategias de intervención del ejercicio físico y relacionarlas con la percepción de la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS) en adultos mayores sedentarios. Participaron 100 sujetos, con edades comprendidas entre los 60 y 70 años, que fueron divididos aleatoriamente en cuatro grupos: control, recomendación, prescripción y monitorización. La intervención de ejercicio físico tuvo una duración de 6 meses. Para la valoración de la CVRS se utilizó el cuestionario SF-36. Los grupos monitorización y prescripción obtuvieron los mayores valores en todos los dominios en el análisis intragrupos. La función física y la salud general y mental obtienen los mayores valores significativos entre grupos (p<.05). Entre los grupos prescripción y monitorización no existen diferencias significativas en ninguna dimensión. Sin embargo el grupo de monitorización obtuvo valores superiores en salud mental, no siendo así en salud físicaThe aim of the study was to analyze the effectiveness of different intervention strategies of exercise and relate the perception of quality of life related to health (HRQOL) in sedentary older adults. It involved 100 subjects, aged between 60 and 70, who were randomly divided into four groups: control, recommend, prescribe and monitor. The exercise intervention lasted 6 months. The SF-36 questionnaire was used for the assessment of HRQOL. The monitoring and prescription groups had higher values in all domains in the intragroup analysis. Physical function and health and mental health obtain the highest significant values between groups (p <.05). There are no significant differences at all in any domain among prescription and monitoring groups. However, the monitoring group obtained higher values in mental health, but were not in physical healt

Application surface of CPT, an advanced DInSAR displacement near Itoiz dam, Navarra, Spain

Itoiz reservoir is located in Navarra, northern Spain, being a newly constructed gravity dam that stores the water from the Irati and the Urrobi rivers. The dam has a total height of 121 m, a total length of 525 m and a maximum water storage volume of 410 hm3. The aim of this work is to study the surface displacement field during the impoundment of the Itoiz water reservoir. Orbital SAR Differential Interferometry (DInSAR) techniques have been proven to be a useful and powerful tool in tectonic areas for surveying subtle surface deformations over several years related to geodynamic phenomena. An advanced DInSAR observation technique, Coherent Pixel Technique (CPT), has been applied to study the existence of deformation in the dam area in order to obtain mean velocities and time series of deformation. We have studied the applicability of this technique to study the surface displacement field during the impoundment of the Itoiz water reservoir. Specifically, we focus on the analysis of the stability of the left slope of the reservoir. We have used ERS and ENVISAT descending and ascending images concerning to the 1992-2008 and 2003-2008 periods respectively. We compare the observation results with the displacement induced by water loading obtained using a theoretical model

Durabilidad natural del carrizo (Phragmites australis) frente a organismos xilófagos: relación con otras especies forestales

This work presents the research carried out to determine the natural durability of reed (Phragmites communis) from the Fertö region of Hungary against wood decay organisms, with the objective of obtaininig information to be used as a constituent element in outdoor use, and in particular, in a viable and sustainable motorway noise barrier. Phragmites communis is a large perennial grass of considerable size which grows in temperate and tropical wetland zones throughout the world. Its growth is expansive and it frequently invades wetlands where it competes with the native species and therefore requires regular removal so that an excess of organic material is not produced in the habitat. In addition, the invasion by this plant of polluted waters also appears to have a beneficial effect, so it can be used as a natural water purifier and thus has a potential use as a purification method for wetlands contaminated by agricultural practices. Due to the need for its periodic extraction, its possible use as a construction material, although in a secondary role, gives it an added value for which further scientific study is required. In the absence of a reference Standard and being reed a lignocellulose material, the study of its natural durability has been based on the existing Standards for wood. The tests show that Hungarian reed has a high level of durability against some fungi and other wood decay organisms. Key words: Reed, sustainable noise barrier, durability, wood decay organisms.Este trabajo presenta las investigaciones llevadas a cabo para determinar la durabilidad natural de Phragmites communis procedente de la regi&oacute;n de Fert&ouml;, Hungr&iacute;a, frente a organismos xil&oacute;fagos, con el objetivo de ser utilizado en el exterior, y en particular, como parte fundamental de una barrera ac&uacute;stica sostenible para carretera. Phragmites communis es una gram&iacute;nea de gran tama&ntilde;o que se desarrolla en humedales de zonas templadas y tropicales de todo el mundo. Suele utilizarse como herramienta natural para la depuraci&oacute;n de aguas, y es especialmente relevante su uso potencial como depurador de humedales contaminados por las pr&aacute;cticas agr&iacute;colas. Debido a la necesidad de extraerlo peri&oacute;dicamente, las investigaciones que se realicen para su posible uso como material de construcci&oacute;n ofrecer&iacute;an un valora&ntilde;adido. Dada la ausencia de una normativa de referencia, y dado que el carrizo es un material lignocelul&oacute;sico, el estudio de su durabilidad natural se ha enfocado a partir de las normas existentes para madera. Los ensayos demuestran que la durabilidad del carrizo h&uacute;ngaro es alta frente a algunos hongos y organismos xil&oacute;fagos

Fístula arteriovenosa postraumática: tratamiento endovascular. Revisión de la literatura y presentación de un caso clínico

ResumenLas fístulas arteriovenosas en la cabeza y el cuello son entidades poco frecuentes. La mayoría es secundaria a heridas penetrantes por arma blanca. Se describe el tratamiento exitoso mediante cirugía endovascular de una fístula postraumática tras una herida penetrante entre la arteria maxilar interna izquierda y la vena yugular externa. A través de este caso clínico y la revisión de la literatura se ilustran las causas, manifestaciones, estudio radiológico y tratamiento de una fístula postraumática entre la arteria maxilar interna y la vena yugular externa. A través de este caso clínico se demuestra la utilidad de los procedimientos endovasculares en el tratamiento de estas complicaciones.AbstractTraumatic arteriovenous fistulas of the head and neck region are uncommon. The majority are due to penetration of blunt injury. We describe a successful endovascular treatment of a posttraumatic fistula between the left maxillary artery and the external jugular vein due to a penetration injury. This case and a review of the literature illustrate the causes, manifestations, image studies and treatment for a posttraumatic fistula between the maxillary artery and the external jugular vein. This case demonstrate the utility of endovascular treatment of head and neck injuries complications

Especies de caza: procesos de extinción ocultos tras elevados tamaños de censo

Management of game species may involve a risk of alteration of their genetic properties. Local adaptations may be disrupted if artificially selected individuals from farms or those belonging to distant geographical areas are introduced to increase population density or trophy “quality”. In Spain, red deer (Cervus elaphus) from different European subspecies have been introduced to increase the size of trophies (antlers) of local populations. Legislation against these introductions is not effective for various reasons, and once the individuals are in the Iberian peninsula it is virtually impossible to prevent their spreading throughout the whole territory without a genetic tool to distinguish between autochthonous and foreign specimens. We have developed such a genetic test and propose a strategy to dissuade land–owners from importing foreign deer. Since deer are bred mainly for their antlers, our strategy is based on an agreement with the National Trophy Body in Spain which rejects trophies from foreign populations. Rejection decreases the value of the trophy so that it becomes more profitable to produce autochthonous deer. Using such a strategy at some critical step in the production or commercialization process may be a good model to apply in protecting genetic properties of exploited species.La gestión de las especies de caza puede conllevar riesgos de alteración de sus propiedades genéticas. Las adaptaciones locales pueden deteriorarse si ejemplares producidos mediante selección artificial en granjas o procedentes de áreas geográficas distantes, son introducidos para aumentar la densidad poblacional o la "calidad" de los trofeos de caza. En España, se han introducido ejemplares de ciervo ibérico (Cervus elaphus) procedentes de distintas subespecies europeas para aumentar así el tamaño de las cuernas (trofeos de caza) de las poblaciones autóctonas. La legislación contra este tipo de introducciones no es eficaz por diversos motivos y, una vez introducidos los ejemplares en la península ibérica, es prácticamente imposible prevenir su dispersión por todo el territorio sin contar con herramientas genéticas que permitan diferenciar los ejemplares autóctonos de los foráneos. Nosotros hemos desarrollado un test genético para este fin, y hemos propuesto una estrategia para disuadir a lospropietarios de llevar a cabo la importación de ejemplares foráneos. Puesto que los ciervos se crían fundamentalmente por su cornamenta como trofeo de caza, nuestra estrategia se ha basado en un acuerdo con la Junta Nacional de Homologación de Trofeos de Caza, para que ésta rechace los trofeos pertenecientes a ejemplares foráneos. Este rechazo reduce el valor de los ejemplares procedentes de otras poblaciones y favorece la producción de ciervo autóctono. Sugerimos que la utilización de estrategias de este tipo en puntos clave de procesos de producción o comercialización, puede ser un buen modelo a aplicar para proteger las propiedades genéticas de las especies sujetas a explotación por el hombre

Game species: extinction hidden by census numbers

Management of game species may involve a risk of alteration of their genetic properties. Local adaptations may be disrupted if artificially selected individuals from farms or those belonging to distant geographical areas are introduced to increase population density or trophy ‘quality’. In Spain, red deer (Cervus elaphus) from different European subspecies have been introduced to increase the size of trophies (antlers) of local populations. Legislation against these introductions is not effective for various reasons, and once the individuals are in the Iberian peninsula it is virtually impossible to prevent their spreading throughout the whole territory without a genetic tool to distinguish between autochthonous and foreign specimens. We have developed such a genetic test and propose a strategy to dissuade land-owners from importing foreign deer. Since deer are bred mainly for their antlers, our strategy is based on an agreement with the National Trophy Body in Spain which rejects trophies from foreign populations. Rejection decreases the value of the trophy so that it becomes more profitable to produce autochthonous deer. Using such a strategy at some critical step in the production or commercialisation process may be a good model to apply in protecting genetic properties of exploited species