Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) as surrogates for epigeic arthropods in Northern Andalusian ‘dehesas’ (Spain)

The ‘dehesas’ are important and vast agro-silvo-pastoral systems typical of the Iberian Peninsula that are undergoing a crisis due to their low economic profitability and environmental degradation. Thus, it is necessary to identify effective tools that provide a reliable idea of the status of these ecosystems as a starting point for future measures of conservation. In this study we analyse the possible role of ants as surrogates for epigeic arthropods, a common biodiversity indicator group. A total of 15 farms were sampled throughout Sierra Morena (Andalusia, Spain) with pitfall traps, both for the ‘dehesa’ habitats themselves and for different microhabitats within the study sites. First, we achieve a complete list of the species of ants of the area. The results indicate that the ‘dehesa’ habitats were very homogenous for all farms, while microhabitats showed differences in species richness and ant communities’ composition compared to the ‘dehesas’. To evaluate the role of ants as surrogates, the number of traps occupied by each order of arthropod and by each ant species was compared. We found a high correlation between them what confirm the surrogate character of ants for the rest of arthropods in these ecosystems

A New Ant Species, Temnothorax ansei sp.n. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from the Arid Environments of South-eastern Spain

We describe here a new ant species in the genus Temnothorax, species grouplaurae, based on morphological evidence supported by other biologicalinformation. It has been discovered at two locations in southeast Spain:Pulpí (Almería) and Lorca (Murcia). This species is a member of the lauraespecies group based on the following characters: large eyes, long and erecthairs on alitrunk, petiole and postpetiole, rectangular head and metanotalgroove. Other characters unique to new species are: dark brown in color,decumbent pilosity, and smooth and shiny head and pronotum. In addition,this new species is distinctly nocturnal in its activity patterns. Based on themorphological measurements of the queens and the workers, as well as ourobservations in the laboratory, we predict that this species has a dependentcolony founding. An identification key to the Iberian Peninsula species ofthe laurae group is also provided

Context-dependent insect predation pressure on an avian ectoparasite

Funded by a predoctoral grant (BES-2015-075951) from the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness and by the postdoctoral grant “Margarita-Salas” funded by Spanish Ministry of Universities and the European Union—NextGenerationEU. This paper is part of Project PGC2018-097426-B-C22 funded by MCIN/ AEI /10.13039/501100011033/ and by “ERDF A way of making Europe".Context dependence arises when ecological relationships vary with the condi- tions under which they are observed. Context dependence of interactions involving par- asites is poorly known, even if it is key to understanding host–parasite relationships and food web dynamics. This paper investigates to which extent predation pressure on an avian ectoparasite (Carnus hemapterus) is context-dependent. Based on a predator-exclusion ex- periment, predation pressure on C. hemapterus pupae in the host’s nest for 3 years, and its variation between habitat types are quantified. Variation in precipitation and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) is also explored as a likely cause of context depen- dency. We hypothesize that predation pressure should fluctuate with such surrogates of food availability, so that inter-annual and intra-annual differences may emerge. The num- ber of nests with significant reduction of pupae varied widely among years ranging from 24% to 75%. However, average pupae reduction in nests where a significant reduction occurred did not vary between years. No differences in predation rates between habitat types were detected. Precipitation and NDVI varied widely between years and NDVI was consistently lower around nests on cliffs than around nests on trees and farmhouses. Paral- lels were found between variation in predation pressure and precipitation/NDVI at a wide scale (highest predation the driest year, and much lower the 2 rainier ones), but not at the nest scale. This paper shows clear context-dependent insect predation pressure on an ectoparasite under natural conditions, and that such interaction changes in signs rather than magnitude between years. The causes for these variations require longer-term studies and/or well-designed, large-scale experiments.Spanish Government BES-2015-075951Postdoctoral grant "Margarita-Salas" - Spanish Ministry of UniversitiesPostdoctoral grant "Margarita-Salas" - European Union-NextGenerationEUMCIN/ AEI PGC2018-097426-B-C22ERDF A way of making Europe PGC2018-097426-B-C2

Descripción del macho de Messor hispanicus Santschi, 1919 (Hym. Formicidae)

Se describe el macho de Messor hispanicus a partir de ejemplares localizados cerca de la capital cordobesa. Se realiza además una comparación con otros machos de especies de Messor presentes en la zona

Reasons for deciding to die in hospital or at home. The vision of professionals

Objetivo: Conocer las razones que llevan a decidir que los pacientes terminales mueran en el hospital o en su domicilio, desde la perspectiva de los/las profesionales. Método: Estudio cualitativo fenomenológico. Muestreo intencionado. Se realizaron cuatro grupos focales multidisciplinarios: dos en hospitales y dos en centros de Atención Primaria de Salud (APS) de Sevilla.Participaron 29 profesionales con al menos 2 años de experiencia con pacientes terminales, siguiendo el criterio de saturación teórica. Resultados: Las respuestas obtenidas del guion inicial se agruparon en tres categorías centrales: paciente y familia, profesionales y proceso asistencial. No suele consultarse al paciente sobre sus preferencias respecto al lugar donde quiere morir, y si además la familia las desconoce, no se puede realizar una planificación anticipada de cuidados. La familia elige el hospital por inseguridad respecto a la posibilidad de seguimiento y recursos en APS. Los/las profesionales poseen formación para abordar la muerte, pero no se sienten preparados, focalizando la atención en aspectos clínicos o administrativos. El proceso asistencial favorece a los pacientes oncológicos, pues es más sencillo identificar su terminalidad. No hay equidad en los recursos y es mejorable la comunicación interniveles. No se facilita la integración de la familia en el proceso que interfiere en su toma de decisiones. Conclusiones: Se debe fomentar la planificación anticipada de cuidados y usar el documento de voluntades anticipadas, la comunicación y la coordinación interniveles, dotar de recursos, especialmente a APS, y formar y preparar a los/las profesionales para abordar la muerte. Hay que implicar a la familia en el proceso, aportándole el apoyo necesario

Variabilidad genetica de Liometopum apiculatum Mayr (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) como una medida de conservación en México

Objetive: to measure genetic divergence of Liometopum apiculatum Mayr of three different sites in Mexico based on cytochrome oxidase subunit I.Design/Methodology/Approach: we sampled populations of L. apliculatum (escamol) on three collecting sites: Otumba, Mexico State; Pinos, Zacatecas and Matehuala, San Luis Potosí and compared amplified DNA extracts with NCBI GenBank established molecular taxonomic patterns.Results: we build a two-parameter genetic distance model with the three populations of L. apiculantum that confirms sites connectivity in spite of distance based on the cytochrome oxidase subunit I. These similarities uphold the adaptation of L. apiculatum to adverse climate conditions.Limitations on study/implications: the similarity, based on cytochrome oxidase subunit I, may allow the use of queen ants from different sites in order to enhance the reproduction of ants, but requires acceptability tests of the ant queens.Findings/Conclusions: DNA of L. apiculatum showed a very little genetic divergence on ant nests analyzed. We think of a strategy to enhance Liometopum reproduction activities based on the use of alien queen ants in the needed nests.Objetivo: comprobar la divergencia genética de Liometopum apiculatum con base al fragmento Citocromo oxidasa subunidad I, usando tres poblaciones diferentes.Diseño/Metodología/Enfoque: Se tomaron muestras de poblaciones de L. apliculatum (escamol) en tres sitios de recolección: Otumba, Estado de México; Pinos, Zacatecas y Matehuala, San Luis Potosí y compararon extractos de ADN amplificados con patrones taxonómicos moleculares establecidos por NCBI GenBank.Resultados: Se construyó un modelo de distancia genética de dos parámetros con las tres poblaciones de L. apiculantum que confirma la conectividad de los sitios a pesar de la distancia basada en la subunidad citocromo oxidasa I. Estas similitudes mantienen la adaptación de L. apiculatum a condiciones climáticas adversas. Limitaciones en el estudio/implicaciones: la similitud, basada en la subunidad I del citocromo oxidasa, puede permitir el uso de hormigas reinas de diferentes sitios para mejorar la reproducción de otros nidos, pero requiere pruebas de aceptabilidad de las hormigas reinas introducidas.Hallazgos/Conclusiones: el ADN de L. apiculatum mostró muy poca divergencia genética en los nidos de hormigas analizados. Es posible una estrategia para mejorar las actividades de reproducción de esta hormiga basada en la reintroducción de hormigas reina en los nidos

Melatonin preserves fluidity in cell and mitochondrial membranes against hepatic ischemia–reperfusion

We evaluated the in vivo effects of melatonin treatment on oxidative damage in the liver in an experimental model of ischemia–reperfusion. A total of 37 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, ischemia, ischemia + reperfusion, and ischemia + reperfusion + melatonin. Hepatic ischemia was maintained for 20 min, and the clamp was removed to initiate vascular reperfusion for 30 min. Melatonin (50 mg/kg body weight) was intraperitoneally administered. Fluidity was measured by polarization changes in 1-(4-trimethylammoniumphenyl)-6-phenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene-p-toluene sulfonate). After 20 min of ischemia, no significant changes were observed in cell and mitochondrial membrane fluidity levels, lipid peroxidation, and protein carbonylation. However, after 30 min of reperfusion, membrane fluidity decreased compared to controls. Increases in lipid and protein oxidation were also seen in hepatic homogenates of animals exposed to reperfusion. Melatonin injected 30 min before ischemia and reperfusion fully prevented membrane rigidity and both lipid and protein oxidation. Livers from ischemia–reperfusion showed histopathological alterations and positive labeling with antibodies to oxidized lipids and proteins. Melatonin reduced the severity of these morphological changes and protected against in vivo ischemia–reperfusion-induced toxicity in the liver. Therefore, melatonin might be a candidate for co-treatment for patients with hepatic vascular occlusion followed by reperfusion

Incidence of High and Low-Grade Cervical Lesions Caused by the Human Papillomavirus

El virus del papiloma humano (VPH), implica un gran problema de salud pública, que afecta a la población sexualmente activa. La OMS reporta 604,000 nuevos casos alrededor del mundo cada año. Aproximadamente el 85% de la población contraerá esta infección al menos una vez en su vida debido a prácticas sexuales de riesgo. Se considera el factor principal para el desarrollo de cáncer cervical, vaginal, de pene y orofaríngeo. Objetivo: identificar la incidencia de lesiones de alto y bajo grado en mujeres diagnosticadas con infección por el virus del papiloma humano en un hospital de segundo nivel. Materiales y métodos: estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo, transversal; la muestra constó de 100 mujeres. Se realizó el análisis de datos con el paquete estadístico SPSS v26. Resultados:  27.3% 40–49 años, 56.4% proviene de zona urbana, 43.6% de zona rural, 89.2% cursa con lesión de bajo grado y 10.8% con lesión de alto grado, 3% presentó cáncer invasor confirmados por estudio histopatológico, 26.8% acudió sin citología previa y 12.5% con resultado inadecuado. Conclusión: la infección por el virus del papiloma humano tiene una alta incidencia en Michoacán, por lo que es importante fomentar la prevención y el diagnóstico oportuno.The human papillomavirus (HPV) poses a significant public health problem, affecting the sexually active population. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports 604,000 new cases worldwide each year. Approximately 85% of the population Will contract this infection at least once in their lifetime due to risk sexual practices. It is considered the primary factor for the development of cervical vaginal, penile and oropharyngeal cancer. Objective: to identify the incidence of high- and low-grade lesions in women diagnosed with human papillomavirus infection at a second level hospital. Materials and methods: quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study; the sample consisted of 100 women. Data analysis was conducted using the statistical package SPSS v26. Results: 27.3% were in the 40-49 age range, 56.4% were urban areas, 43.6% from rural areas, 89.2% had low grade lesions and 10.8% had high grade lesions, 3% presented invasive cancer confirmed by histopathological study, 26.8% attended without previous cytology, ands 12.5% with inadequate results. Conclusion: human papillomavirus infection hash a high incidence in Michoacan, emphasizing the importance of promoting prevention and timely diagnosis

Whole-exome sequencing reveals ZNF408 as a new gene associated with autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa with vitreal alterations

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of progressive inherited retinal dystrophies that cause visual impairment as a result of photoreceptor cell death. RP is heterogeneous, both clinically and genetically making difficult to establish precise genotype–phenotype correlations. In a Spanish family with autosomal recessive RP (arRP), homozygosity mapping and whole-exome sequencing led to the identification of a homozygous mutation (c.358_359delGT; p.Ala122Leufs*2) in the ZNF408 gene. A screening performed in 217 additional unrelated families revealed another homozygous mutation (c.1621C>T; p.Arg541Cys) in an isolated RP case. ZNF408 encodes a transcription factor that harbors 10 predicted C2H2-type fingers thought to be implicated in DNA binding. To elucidate the ZNF408 role in the retina and the pathogenesis of these mutations we have performed different functional studies. By immunohistochemical analysis in healthy human retina, we identified that ZNF408 is expressed in both cone and rod photoreceptors, in a specific type of amacrine and ganglion cells, and in retinal blood vessels. ZNF408 revealed a cytoplasmic localization and a nuclear distribution in areas corresponding with the euchromatin fraction. Immunolocalization studies showed a partial mislocalization of the p.Arg541Cys mutant protein retaining part of the WT protein in the cytoplasm. Our study demonstrates that ZNF408, previously associated with Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy (FEVR), is a new gene causing arRP with vitreous condensations supporting the evidence that this protein plays additional functions into the human retina.This work is supported by CIBERER (06/07/0036), FIS (PI013/00226), Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness-FEDER (BFU2012-36845), RETICS (RD12/0034/0010), Fundación ONCE, Fundaluce and grants BIO2011-27069 from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, and PROMETEOII/2014/025 from the Conselleria de Educacio of the Valencia Community. PC is supported by Fundación Conchita Rábago (FCR), MC by Miguel Servet ISCIII (CP/03256) and dS by CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil

Evaluación de Nutrire®: una herramienta on-line para realizar estudios de evaluación del estado nutricional

Introduction: Nutrire® is a computer programme, a product of three innovation teaching projects of the University of Granada (Spain), designed to carry out the assessment of the nutritional status by anthrometric, dietetic and biochemical parameters. Objectives: The main aim of this study is to present its overall results and to analyze its strengths and weaknesses and to carry out the modifications to improve the programme. Material and Method: An anonymous survey was carried out on 128 students from three different degrees and one the Master’s degree. The survey included 6 questions on navigability and design and 5 about the academic content of the programme. Twenty post-graduates who had used the programme in their professional life were also interviewed. Results and Discussion: The average marking of the students was 4.1 out of 5. The main positive aspects which stood out were the ease of use of the computer programme, and the inclusion of photographs of foodstuffs which facilitated the choice of size of portion when evaluating a diet. Negative aspects that were commented on were the necessity to include more photos of foodstuffs, and the impossibility of using the programme without the internet. According to the post-graduates the main benefit of the programme is to have the three principal aspects of the assessment of the nutritional status. The weak points commented on are that the table showing the composition of the foodstuffs does not give information on simple sugars. Conclusion: Nutrire® is an easy tool to use and highly valued by both under-graduates and graduates to evaluate nutritional status.Introducción: Nutrire® es un programa informático, fruto de tres proyectos de innovación docente de la Universidad de Granada (España), que permite la valoración del estado nutricional mediante a partir de parámetros antropométricos, dietéticos y bioquímicos. Objetivo: El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar los resultados obtenidos de la evaluación global del programa por alumnos y egresados para poder analizar sus puntos fuertes y débiles que sirvan con posterioridad para realizar las modificaciones oportunas. Material y Métodos: Se ha realizado una encuesta anónima a 128 alumnos de 3 titulaciones de grado y 1 de postgrado de la Universidad de Granada. Se incluye 6 preguntas sobre navegabilidad y diseño y 5 sobre contenidos académicos del programa. Asimismo, se han entrevistado a 20 egresados que lo han utilizado en su actividad profesional. Resultados: La puntuación media obtenida en los alumnos fue de 4,1 sobre 5. Como aspectos positivos destacan: facilidad de uso, incorporación de fotografías de alimentos para elegir el tamaño de ración/porción. Como aspectos de mejora señalan: incorporar más fotos de alimentos, el poder instalar el programa para su uso en un ordenador. Según los egresados, el principal punto fuerte es tener reunido en un solo programa los tres aspectos de la evaluación del estado nutricional. Como puntos débiles señalan la falta de algún nutriente, como los azucares, en la base de datos nutricional. Conclusión: Nutrire® es un programa de fácil utilización, muy bien valorada por los alumnos y por los egresados para realizar estudios de evaluación del estado nutricional