Diversidad de Anolis (Lacertilia:Dactyloidae) en bosque pluvial tropical, del Chocó- Colombia

Objective: To determine the diversity of Anolis, in areas of tropical rainforest in the area of influence of the Environmental Station of Alto San Juan, municipality of Tadó, Chocó - Colombia. Materials and methods: to carry out this research, the method of visual encounter survey (Visual Encounter Survey “VES”) was used, in relation to these three plant coverings were selected. Result: The genus Anolis is made up of seven species, of which the most representative for its abundance were Anolis chloris with 49.7% (N: 35), Anolis notopholis with 24.6% (N: 18) and Anolis maculiventris with 17.8% (N: 13). Zone 3 (Forest) with seven species, with three exclusives (A. lyra, A. granuliceps and A. latifrons), followed by Zone 2 (Ecotona) with four species, with an exclusive (A. anchicayae). The forest zone presented the best equity values (H`: 1,371). The ecotone presented a higher equity value (J ’= 0.86). The Pielou index for the three zones predicts an almost normal distribution of the individuals in the evaluated zones. Charm to dominance the highest record was obtained in the management area. Conclusiones: The vegetation cover, which is subject to constant intervention by different management processes, turned out to be the one that best offers attributes so that populations can be favored, since Anolis chloris, A. notopholis and A maculiventris, presented a good representativeness in terms of relative abundance in this disturbed area.Objetivo: Determinar la diversidad de Anolis, en zonas de bosque pluvial tropical en la zona de influencia de la Estación Ambiental del Alto San Juan, municipio de Tadó, Chocó – Colombia. Materiales y métodos: para realizar esta investigación se utilizó el método de relevamiento por encuentros visuales (Visual Encounter Survey “VES”), en relación con estos se seleccionaron tres coberturas vegetales. Resultado: El género Anolis lo constituyen siete especies, de las cuales las más representativas por su abundancia fueron Anolis chloris con 49.7% (N: 35), Anolis notopholis con 24.6% (N: 18) y Anolis maculiventris con 17.8% (N: 13). La Zona 3 (Bosque) con siete especies, con tres exclusivas (A. lyra, A. granuliceps y A. latifrons), seguida la Zona 2 (Ecotona) con cuatro especies, con una exclusiva (A. anchicayae). La zona de bosque presento los mejores valores de equidad (H`: 1.371), El ecotono presentó mayor valor de equidad (J’=0.86). El índice de Pielou para las tres zonas predice una distribución casi normal de los individuos en las zonas evaluadas. Encanto a la dominancia el mayor registro se obtuvo en el área de gestión. Conclusiones: La cobertura vegetal, que está sujeta a constante intervención por diferentes procesos de gestión, resulto ser la que mejor ofrece atributos para que poblaciones puedan resultar favorecidas, ya que Anolis chloris, A. notopholis y A maculiventris, presentaron una buena representatividad en términos de abundancia relativa en esta área perturbada.  O presente estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de determinar a diversidade de Anolis, em áreas de floresta tropical úmida na área de influência da Estação Ambiental de Alto San Juan, município de Tadó, Chocó - Colômbia, para realizar esta investigação, a método de pesquisa para encontros visuais (Visual Encounter Survey "VES"), em relação a estes, três coberturas vegetais foram selecionadas; onde Anolis é representado por sete espécies de que o mais representativo para a sua abundância estavam Anolis chloris com 49,7% (N: 35), Anolis notopholis 24,6% (N: 18) e Anolis maculiventris com 17,8% ( N: 13). Zona 3 (Floresta) com sete espécies, sendo três exclusivas (A. lyra, A. granuliceps e A. latifrons), seguidas pela Zona 2 (Ecotona) com quatro espécies, sendo uma exclusiva (A. anchicayae). A zona florestal apresentou os melhores valores de equidade (H`: 1,371), sendo que o ecótono apresentou o maior valor patrimonial (J '= 0,86). O índice de Pielou para as três zonas prevê uma distribuição quase normal dos indivíduos nas áreas avaliadas. Charme para o domínio o registro mais elevada foi obtida na área de gestão, os resultados dizem-nos que a cobertura vegetal, que está sujeita a intervenção constante por diferentes processos de gestão, provaram ser as melhores ofertas de atributos que as populações podem ser favorecidos, desde Anolis chloris, A. notopholis e A maculiventris, mostraram boa representatividade em termos de abundância relativa nesta área perturbada

Biodiversity Assessment and Geographical Affinities of Discards in Clam Fisheries in the Atlantic–Mediterranean Transition (Northern Alboran Sea)

This study focused on the assessment and quantification of discards generated by clam fisheries along the northern Alboran Sea (western Mediterranean). Discard samples (n = 278) were collected throughout one year on board nine commercial vessels. A total of 129 species were identified, mostly represented by molluscs (72 spp.), arthropods (20 spp.) and echinoderms (12 spp.). Molluscs dominated in terms of abundance (67.5%) and biomass (94.2%). The superfamily Paguroidea (i.e. hermit crabs), together with undersized target individuals, were the most abundant taxa. The abundance and biomass of discards displayed significant maximum values in winter, which could be partly related to biotic factors including population dynamics of some dominant species. Multivariate analyses indicated the presence of different assemblages related to the targeted bivalve species, reflecting the transition between a fine surface-sands biocoenosis exposed to wave action and a well-sorted fine sands biocoenosis below 5 m depth. Analysis of biogeographical affinities showed that most discarded species (73.2%) have an extensive Atlantic range, whereas 7.1% have a restricted distribution within the Mediterranean. The presence of subtropical species highlights the uniqueness of this area (the Atlantic–Mediterranean transition) in European seas. The usefulness of discard analysis for biodiversity assessment is discussed.Postprin

Use of Confocal Laser as Light Source Reveals Stomata-Autonomous Function

In most terrestrial plants, stomata open during the day to maximize the update of CO(2) for photosynthesis, but they close at night to minimize water loss. Blue light, among several environmental factors, controls this process. Stomata response to diverse stimuli seems to be dictated by the behaviour of neighbour stomata creating leaf areas of coordinated response. Here individual stomata of Arabidopsis leaves were illuminated with a short blue-light pulse by focusing a confocal argon laser. Beautifully, the illuminated stomata open their pores, whereas their dark-adapted neighbours unexpectedly experience no change. This induction of individual stomata opening by low fluence rates of blue light was disrupted in the phototropin1 phototropin2 (phot1 phot2) double mutant, which exhibits insensitivity of stomatal movements in blue-illuminated epidermal strips. The irradiation of all epidermal cells making direct contact with a given stoma in both wild type and phot1 phot2 plants does not trigger its movement. These results unravel the stoma autonomous function in the blue light response and illuminate the implication of PHOT1 and/or PHOT2 in such response. The micro spatial heterogeneity that solar blue light suffers in partially shaded leaves under natural conditions highlights the physiological significance of the autonomous stomatal behaviour

Spatial distribution of fishing fleets in a future Fishery Protected Area in the Malaga Bay (Northwestern Alboran Sea).

Málaga Bay is an important area from the icthyoplankton viewpoint where it is possible to find more than 80 species belonging to 68 genera and 41 families. Furthermore, the bay is an essential spawning and nursery area for many species of commercial interest, such as sardine (Sardina pilchardus), anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus), Atlantic horse-mackerel (Trachurus trachurus), Mediterranean horse-mackerel (T. mediterraneus) or hake (Merluccius merluccius). Local bottom trawl, purse seine and polyvalent artisanal fleets, have traditionally fished in this bay targeting on many species of fishes, crustaceans and molluscs. An ecological and fisheries study was undertaken in 2013 and 2014 with the purpose of assessing the suitability of Málaga Bay as a Fishery Protected Area. One of the important aspects taken into account is the spatial distribution of the fishing effort to evaluate its impact in the area. The findings achieved in this study are essential and valuable information for a proper fisheries management integrating the ecosystem-based approach into fisheries advice. The results show that Málaga Bay supports a heavy fishing pressure in all the fishing grounds which may affect both its commercial resources and sedimentary habitats.Versión del edito

Differences in pharmaceutical consumption and expenses between immigrant and Spanish-born populations in Lleida, (Spain): A 6-months prospective observational study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>There are few studies comparing pharmaceutical costs and the use of medications between immigrants and the autochthonous population in Spain. The objective of this study is to evaluate whether there are differences in pharmaceutical consumption and expenses between immigrant and Spanish-born populations.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Prospective observational study in 1,630 immigrants and 4,154 Spanish-born individuals visited by fifteen primary care physicians at five public Primary Care Clinics (PCC) during 2005 in the city of Lleida, Catalonia (Spain). Data on pharmaceutical consumption and expenses was obtained from a comprehensive computerized data-collection system. Multinomial regression models were used to estimate relative risks and confidence intervals of pharmaceutical expenditure, adjusting for age and sex.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The percentage of individuals that purchased medications during a six-month period was 53.7% in the immigrant group and 79.2% in the autochthonous group. Pharmaceutical expenses and consumption were lower in immigrants than in autochthonous patients in all age groups and both genders. The relative risks of being in the highest quartile of expenditure, for Spanish-born versus immigrants, were 6.9, 95% CI = (4.2, 11.5) in men and 5.3, 95% CI = (3.5, 8.0) in women, with the reference category being not having any pharmaceutical expenditure.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Pharmaceutical expenses are much lower for immigrants with respect to autochthonous patients, both in the percentage of prescriptions filled at pharmacies and the number of containers of medication obtained, as well as the prices of the medications used. Future studies should explore which factors explain the observed differences in pharmaceutical expenses and if these disparities produce health inequalities.</p

Emergency hospital services utilization in Lleida (Spain): A cross-sectional study of immigrant and Spanish-born populations

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The use of emergency hospital services (EHS) has increased steadily in Spain in the last decade while the number of immigrants has increased dramatically. Studies show that immigrants use EHS differently than native-born individuals, and this work investigates demographics, diagnoses and utilization rates of EHS in Lleida (Spain).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Cross-sectional study of all the 96,916 EHS visits by patients 15 to 64 years old, attended during the years 2004 and 2005 in a public teaching hospital. Demographic data, diagnoses of the EHS visits, frequency of hospital admissions, mortality and diagnoses at hospital discharge were obtained. Utilization rates were estimated by group of origin. Poisson regression was used to estimate the rate ratios of being visited in the EHS with respect to the Spanish-born population.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Immigrants from low-income countries use EHS services more than the Spanish-born population. Differences in utilization patterns are particularly marked for Maghrebi men and women and sub-Saharan women. Immigrant males are at lower risk of being admitted to the hospital, as compared with Spanish-born males. On the other hand, immigrant women are at higher risk of being admitted. After excluding the visits with gynecologic and obstetric diagnoses, women from sub-Saharan Africa and the Maghreb are still at a higher risk of being admitted than their Spanish-born counterparts.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>In Lleida (Spain), immigrants use more EHS than the Spanish born population. Future research should indicate whether the same pattern is found in other areas of Spain and whether EHS use is attributable to health needs, barriers to access to the primary care services or similarities in the way immigrants access health care in their countries of origin.</p

Advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of glomerular thrombotic microangiopathy

Glomerular thrombotic microangiopathy is a hallmark feature of haemolytic uraemic syndrome, the leading cause of acute renal failure in childhood. This paper is a review of the different mechanistic pathways that lead to this histological picture in the kidney. It will focus on atypical HUS and complement dysregulation, but will also highlight some other recent advances in our understanding of this condition, including the potential role of the molecule vascular endothelial growth factor- A (VEGF-A)

Dendritic cell deficiencies persist seven months after SARS-CoV-2 infection

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2 infection induces an exacerbated inflammation driven by innate immunity components. Dendritic cells (DCs) play a key role in the defense against viral infections, for instance plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs), have the capacity to produce vast amounts of interferon-alpha (IFN-α). In COVID-19 there is a deficit in DC numbers and IFN-α production, which has been associated with disease severity. In this work, we described that in addition to the DC deficiency, several DC activation and homing markers were altered in acute COVID-19 patients, which were associated with multiple inflammatory markers. Remarkably, previously hospitalized and nonhospitalized patients remained with decreased numbers of CD1c+ myeloid DCs and pDCs seven months after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Moreover, the expression of DC markers such as CD86 and CD4 were only restored in previously nonhospitalized patients, while no restoration of integrin β7 and indoleamine 2,3-dyoxigenase (IDO) levels were observed. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the immunological sequelae of COVID-19

A tumor-targeted trimeric 4-1BB-agonistic antibody induces potent anti-tumor immunity without systemic toxicity

The costimulation of immune cells using first-generation anti-4-1BB monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) has demonstrated anti-tumor activity in human trials. Further clinical development, however, is restricted by significant off-tumor toxicities associated with Fc gamma R interactions. Here, we have designed an Fc-free tumor-targeted 4-1BB-agonistic trimerbody, 1D8(N)/(C)EGa1, consisting of three anti-4-1BB single-chain variable fragments and three anti-EGFR single-domain antibodies positioned in an extended hexagonal conformation around the collagen XVIII homotrimerization domain. The1D8(N)/(C)EGa1 trimerbody demonstrated high-avidity binding to 4-1BB and EGFR and a potent in vitro costimulatory capacity in the presence of EGFR. The trimerbody rapidly accumulates in EGFR-positive tumors and exhibits anti-tumor activity similar to IgG-based 4-1BB-agonistic mAbs. Importantly, treatment with 1D8(N)/(C)EGa1 does not induce systemic inflammatory cytokine production or hepatotoxicity associated with IgG-based 4-1BB agonists. These results implicate Fc gamma R interactions in the 4-1BB-agonist-associated immune abnormalities, and promote the use of the non-canonical antibody presented in this work for safe and effective costimulatory strategies in cancer immunotherapy

Genetic diversity in cultivated carioca common beans based on molecular marker analysis

A wide array of molecular markers has been used to investigate the genetic diversity among common bean species. However, the best combination of markers for studying such diversity among common bean cultivars has yet to be determined. Few reports have examined the genetic diversity of the carioca bean, commercially one of the most important common beans in Brazil. In this study, we examined the usefulness of two molecular marker systems (simple sequence repeats – SSRs and amplified fragment length polymorphisms – AFLPs) for assessing the genetic diversity of carioca beans. The amount of information provided by Roger’s modified genetic distance was used to analyze SSR data and Jaccards similarity coefficient was used for AFLP data. Seventy SSRs were polymorphic and 20 AFLP primer combinations produced 635 polymorphic bands. Molecular analysis showed that carioca genotypes were quite diverse. AFLPs revealed greater genetic differentiation and variation within the carioca genotypes (Gst = 98% and Fst = 0.83, respectively) than SSRs and provided better resolution for clustering the carioca genotypes. SSRs and AFLPs were both suitable for assessing the genetic diversity of Brazilian carioca genotypes since the number of markers used in each system provided a low coefficient of variation. However, fingerprint profiles were generated faster with AFLPs, making them a better choice for assessing genetic diversity in the carioca germplasm