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Diatoms have been extensively used as paleolimnological indicators because they acutely respond to changes in their environment. Diatom assemblages recovered from sediment cores are a mixture of benthic and planktic assemblages that may have been transported away from their source environment or deposited near their habitat. Thus, there is an inherent variability in the diatom deposition across the sediments of a lake. With the aim of characterizing this variability and identifying how it may affect palaeoecological reconstructions, we identified diatom communities and assemblages from a series of sediment cores, surface sediment samples, and samples from different lake microenvironments (submerged macrophytes, sediments, marsh, meadow and attached algae). Comparing the sediment cores, we found differences in the timing of diatom assemblage shifts, which we attribute to differences in the diatom distribution in the sediments. Additionally, we identified gradients of diatom deposition where benthic and tychoplanktic diatoms dominate assemblages near shorelines and planktic assemblages dominate toward the lake center. We attribute benthic and tychoplanktic distribution to distance to the source and recognize that diatoms associated with modern microenvironments are underrepresented in the sediments because of their attachment to a substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cu2+ complexes of three [1 + 1] azacyclophane macrocycles having the 1H-pyrazole ring as the spacer and the pentaamine 1,5,8,11,15-pentaazadecane (L1) or hexaamines 1,5,8,12,15,19-hexaazanonadecane (L2) and 1,5,9,13,17,21-hexaazaheneicosane (L3) as bridges show endo- coordination of the pyrazolate bridge giving rise to discrete monomeric species. Previously reported pyrazolacyclophanes evidenced, however, exo-coordination with the formation of dimeric species of 2 : 2, 3 : 2 or even 4 : 2 Cu2+ : L stoichiometry. The complexes have been characterized in solution using potentiometric studies, UV-Vis spectroscopy, paramagnetic NMR, cyclic voltammetry and mass spectrometry. The measurements show that all three ligands have as many protonation steps in water as secondary amines are in the bridge, while they are able to form both mono- and binuclear Cu2+ species. The crystal structures of the complexes [Cu(HL1)Br]Br(1+x)(ClO4)(1−x)·yH2O (1) and [Cu2(H−1L2)Cl(ClO4)](ClO4)·H2O·C2H5OH (2) have been solved by X-ray diffraction studies. In 1 the metal ion lies at one side of the macrocyclic cavity being coordinated by one nitrogen of the pyrazolate moiety and the three consecutive nitrogen atoms of the polyamine bridge. The other nitrogen of the pyrazole ring is hydrogen-bonded to an amine group. In 2 the two metal ions are interconnected by a pyrazolate bis(monodentate) moiety and complete their coordination spheres with three amines and either a bromide or a perchlorate anion, which occupy the axial positions of distorted square pyramid geometries. Paramagnetic NMR studies of the binuclear complexes confirm the coordination pattern observed in the crystal structures. Cyclic voltamperommetry data show potentials within the adequate range to exhibit superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. The IC50 values calculated by McCord–Fridovich enzymatic assays show that the binuclear Cu2+ complexes of L2 and L3 have SOD activities that rank amongst the highest ones reported so far. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes a methodological route for the study of personal archives through four elements of the ethnographic method: archival contexts, the archive and interactions of individuals, documentary practices and the temporalities in the archive. In the first part, the impact of the archival turn and postmodern ideas on the archival studies and the way of approaching archives were analyzed, transcending from the idea of archive as a source to archive as a field of study, which allowed ethnographic readings of the archives. In the second part, a proposal to analyze personal archives from the ethnographic perspective were presented, from the four elements mentioned: context, individuals, documentary practices and temporalities. Finally, it is sketched out how archival ethnography allows to rethink archival principles and documentary organization processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Betanin (Bn), a natural dye in the Betalains family, predominantly takes on a cationic form known as Bn+. However, it exists in a neutral state as Bn_C2, Bn_C15, and Bn_C17 by losing an H+ from one of its carboxylic acids. Density functional theory (DFT) and Time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) studies evaluate the efficiency of each betanin form and pinpoint the most probable anchoring point to TiO2. The Bn_C17 variant stands out as a highly promising candidate for DSSC cells, demonstrating a distinctive combination of electron injection efficiency, electrochemical performance, hole transport capabilities, and photovoltaic behavior. Considering factors like adsorption energy, binding mode, structural compatibility, electronic properties, and absorption characteristics, Bn_C17@TiO2 emerges as the most favorable dye@TiO2 complex among the studied betanin forms for DSSC applications. Contrastingly, the C2‐COOH anchoring point presents challenges with monodentate binding, a different orientation, and potential load distribution issues. This behavior, resembling that of a p‐type dye, differs from the n‐type behavior exhibited by the C15‐COOH and C17‐COOH forms, making the latter two more suitable as sensitizers. Consequently, C2‐COOH may not be the optimal anchoring point for TiO2 in the investigated betanin forms, especially when compared to the more favorable C17‐COOH anchoring point. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past several decades, increasing climate instability in the Sierra Nevada, California, expressed primarily as reduced winter precipitation and higher temperatures, has led to more frequent drought. High-altitude lakes in this region have been characterized as pristine ecosystems, but growing evidence suggests that they are responding acutely to climate change. To address this, we analyzed the diatom assemblages of two 210Pb dated sediment cores (Gull and June Lakes) from the eastern Sierra Nevada with the aim of assessing their sensitivity to and timing of responses to climate change at the end of the neoglacial (~1450 CE to ~1850 CE) and identifying how climate drivers can impact diatom communities. The nutrient cycles of both lakes have been disrupted by changes in thermal stratification, driven by increasing temperatures, as interpreted from the shift from a Stephanodiscus corruscus dominated ecosystem to a Stephanodiscus minutulus dominance. In this case, the June Lake (the deeper lake) diatom assemblage shifted from an assemblage representative of well mixed conditions to one representative of a stratified system before Gull Lake as a response to increasing temperatures and a strengthened thermocline. We relate the asynchronous change in the thermocline stability to basin morphology, where the deeper lake with a deeper thermocline is more sensitive to increasing temperatures. Further, generalized additive models (GAMs) allowed us to identify the onset of ecological change in both lakes, pointing to the termination of the Little Ice Age (LIA; ~1850 CE), revealing an acute response to changing climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taking as a starting point the objective of this article is the reinterpretation of the concept, forced by the technological and communication transformations that place the ideas of social and community, not as theoretical precepts, but as elements to discover on the studies proposed. A theoretical transversalization of the three authors will be sought, taking essential elements from their works to propose a new interpretative key that allows us to take the concept of community, not as a theoretical presupposition, but as an immanent product resulting from the daily connections made between the subjects, spontaneously, on the social field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Plomosas deposit is the product of a sequence of overlapping events of Pb–Zn, Ag, and Au low sulfidation mineralization that occurred in Mexico’s southwestern Sierra Madre Occidental (SMO). Field observations, detailed petrography, and U–Pb age dating of the entire stratigraphic sequence were used to characterize the magmatic evolution of the district and to obtain new insights into the evolution of the SMO. The stratigraphy at Plomosas is distinct from other areas to the north as it lacks Jurassic marine units, Cretaceous continental volcanic successions as well as Cretaceous and Palaeocene batholiths. The local basement is composed of undeformed Late Jurassic volcaniclastic units and coeval felsic intrusions. Early to late Oligocene silicic ignimbrites, intermediate lava flows, and occasional basaltic flows unconformably overlie the Jurassic basement. Several Oligocene intermediate to felsic porphyry bodies and rhyolitic domes crosscut the stratigraphy. The upper volcanic sequence is separated into two packages by an angular unconformity. Mineralization produced an early Pb–Zn-mineralized hydrothermal fault breccia, followed by Cu–Ag veins and late Au veins. The Pb–Zn mineralized breccia is hosted by ~30 Ma Oligocene volcanic units that form the basal sequence. The Cu–Ag and Au-rich veins overlap and crosscut the early hydrothermal features and cut the late Oligocene volcanic cover that unconformably overlie the basal sequence. Our results highlight the importance of episodes of Oligocene magmatism to the genesis of mineralization in the southwestern SMO specifically through a genetic link between Pb–Zn veins and intermediate Oligocene intrusive bodies, and of Ag and Au veins with late Oligocene volcanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, several social movements in western democracies argue that traditional representative democracy has failed to adequately represent the will of the "people", and instead support direct democracy as the only political system to restore the will of the majority. We analyze under what conditions the policy – a vector of decisions on every issue – implemented by the winner of a bipartisan electoral competition coincides with the policy that citizens would choose by means of direct democracy. We find necessary and sufficient conditions for this equivalence to hold, implying that, as long as at least one of them is not fulfilled, a divergence of outcomes between direct and representative democracy arises. The first condition requires that the outcome of majority voting issue-by-issue is the Condorcet winner relative to the voters' preference profile over the set of policies. The second requires that either that outcome is the preferred policy for at least one of the candidates, or that candidates' preferred policies differ on every single issue. We reinterpret some findings in the literature in the light of our model and present them as potential reasons why the equivalence between direct and representative democracy may fail. • We find necessary and sufficient conditions for the coincidence of policies implemented under direct and representative democracy. • Loosely divided electorates and highly polarized politicians favor such a coincidence. • The bundling of issues by politicians does not jeopardize the coincidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a multisystem chronic inflammatory disease whose main target organ is the skin; affects about 2% of the world population. There has been a growing interest in biomarkers to improve diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic process. Biomarkers has been studied, among these, HLA-C*06:02 allele stands out as support for choice among therapeutic options. OBJECTIVE: To present a global overview of the pathogenesis of psoriasis, as well as some of the biomarkers that are currently emerging as the most valid in clinical practice. METHODOLOGY: Narrative review of the literature carried out from December 1992 to October 2021 in the Medline databases through the PubMed search engine with the MeSH terms "psoriasis", "etiology" and "biomarker", and Google Scholar with the terms "psoriasis", "psoriasis vulgaris", "pathogenesis", "biomarker" and "biomarkers". RESULTS: Psoriasis is characterized by abnormal activation of epidermal keratinocytes, aberrant neovascularization, and deregulation of immune system cell function. Multiple biomarkers have been investigated in psoriasis that can be grouped into genetic, epigenetic, serum and tissue. CONCLUSIONS: In biomarkers in psoriasis and individualized medicine the panorama is broad; however, these are in the identification stage and their validation in larger and multicenter cohorts is still missing to be brought to wide use in daily clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of community is widely used in the social sciences, but its polysemic and general use can limit the understanding of complex social realities. This article presents a reflection on the concept of community based on a systematic analysis of its use in the academic literature of 2022. It shows a diversity of approaches and perspectives, but also a lack of conceptual clarity and a lack of attention to the symmetry of human and non-human actors in community building. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This study examined the environmental and biological correlates of academic competency in preschool-age children. • Poorer academic skills were linked to higher cumulative biological stress levels and poor biological stress regulation • Sensitive maternal behaviors and parental education were both uniquely related to academic skills. Low socioeconomic status (SES) is a risk factor for unpreparedness for formal school entry. However, it is unclear how specific SES domains or factors related to SES, such as maternal caregiving style or child biological stress regulation, uniquely contribute to a child's academic competency. We examined the relation between early biological stress, SES, and caregiving style with the academic competency domain of school readiness in a preschool-age sample (N = 91) using multidimensional measures of SES, measures of maternal behavior, child hair cortisol concentrations, and diurnal salivary cortisol. We also investigated which correlates uniquely contribute to academic competency as indexed by the Bracken School Readiness Assessment and the NIH Picture Vocabulary Test. Higher cumulative biological stress, indexed through hair cortisol concentrations, was related to lower scores on both measures. Poor biological stress regulation, indexed by a flatter diurnal cortisol slope, was related to lower receptive vocabulary. More sensitive maternal behaviors and measures indicating higher SES were related to better performance in both academic competency measures. Of these significant associations, maternal intrusion and parental education uniquely contributed to pre-academic skills beyond other measures, whereas maternal structuring and parental education uniquely contributed to receptive vocabulary. These results provide new evidence that biological stress is related to academic competency in early childhood and demonstrate the importance of structured, non-intrusive parenting when preparing children for long-term academic success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic retinopathy (RD) is a microvascular disease that can cause the formation of fragile neovessels, increasing the risk of hemorrhages and leading to vision loss. Current therapies are based on the intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), which is invasive and can cause secondary effects. The development of new treatments that complement the current therapies is necessary to improve the patient's outcomes. Nanostructured formulations offer several advantages regarding drug delivery and penetration. In this research, a resveratrol nanosuspension (RSV-NS) was prepared and characterized using dynamic light scattering, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and infrared spectroscopy. The RSV-NS had an average particle size of 304.0 ± 81.21 nm with a PDI of 0.225 ± 0.036, and a spherical-like morphology and uniform particle distribution. Cell viability, proliferation, and migration were tested on endothelial cells (HMRECs). RSV-NS in a concentration of less than 18.75 µM did not have a cytotoxic effect on HMRECs. Likewise, proliferation and migration were significantly reduced compared to the unstimulated control at 37.5 µM. The RSV-NS did not present cytotoxic effects but decreased cell proliferation and migration, indicating that it could provide an important contribution to future medical implementations and could have a high potential to treat this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: At the global level, disaster risk finance (DRF) is playing an increasingly prominent role in the international agendas for climate change adaptation. However, before implementing such agendas, it is essential to understand the needs and limitations of DRF in the subnational context where they need to impact. This research aims to gain insights into the perspectives of community and governmental actors in Colombia regarding DRF. Its goal is to promote the specific design of collaborative educational and technical assistance processes that consider their interests in the subject and the cultural diversity of the territories. Design/methodology/approach: To achieve this, semi-structured interviews were conducted, and the findings were organized to highlight key aspects that help to understand DRF perspectives in the Colombian context. Findings: It was found that the most significant limitations of implementing DRF include a lack of knowledge on the topic, corruption that encourages a reactive approach and the absence of economic resources. Concerns have emerged regarding the possibility of climate risk insurance becoming a profit-driven enterprise and the potential development of dependency behaviors within community groups, leading to maladaptation and moral hazard. Similarly, the implementation of DRF through foreign funds has raised concerns about the loss of territorial sovereignty and autonomy. Originality/value: This is one of the first studies that carry out this kind of research and contributes to the formulation of inclusive public policies for DRF in different contexts worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This reflection article, which is the result of a broader investigation on teacher training processes in the Faculty of Education Sciences of the University of Quindío, studies possible conceptual differences between the terms maestro, profesor y docente, from its etymological features, with the hope of specifying its meanings in everyday use, stressing its dialogical (although dialectical) connection, re-reading its foundations and concocting a characteristic of each concept within the framework of the didactic system. The present work responds to a historical-hermeneutical methodology that puts etymological data in dialogue with conjectures derived from ancient rhetoric, in relation to the qualities of the rhetor (brilliance, honesty, security and jocundity) and the focuses of classroom communication from logos, pathos and ethos. In this attempt, this article places maestro in the node of knowledge, directly associated with the logos and the profile of brilliance. Profesor is related to the ethos and profiles of safety and honesty, while docente, the only exclusive term for classroom contexts, stands out in the student node, linked to pathos and the profile of jocundity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this article is to carry out a systematic review of the use of the actor-network theory (art) as a methodological tool in social science research. For this purpose, we relied on the Scoping Review methodology to conduct a search in three databases, using as selection criteria the use of the term network actor in the title, keywords and abstract. We filtered the publications related to collectives and networks where art is used as a methodological reference and we catalogued them by field of study, identifying common elements in the categories. This review article highlights the possibilities and limitations of art. We conclude that the use of art requires assuming an ontological posture based on the understanding of reality as a network of symmetrical actors who act as agents for others, transforming the references that include them starting from processes of mediation and translation that can be studied from radical empiricism. This makes art an alternative that can describe, analyze and intervene networks from an understanding of the actors that compose them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the concept of reality and the transformation concerning the complex approach to the modes of existence based on the interrelation between diverse actants that make up our world. Considering recent ontological debates and critiques of modernity, the article argues for a shift away from ready-made suppositions about reality and the desire for simplified answers. We propose a radical idea of an actant interaction perspective grounded in Bruno Latour’s and Hartmut Rosa’s ideas of exploring an ontology embracing curiosity, imagination, and the importance of making mistakes as necessary attitudes in navigating the uncontrollable nature of reality. The article emphasizes the importance of embracing a sense of liberty when comprehending and interacting with the world. It encourages us to concentrate on the strengths and connections of living organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Depression is associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Objective: To evaluate the association between depressive symptoms and age of onset of cognitive decline in autosomal dominant AD, and to determine possible factors associated to early depressive symptoms in this population. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study to identify depressive symptoms among 190 presenilin 1 (PSEN1) E280A mutation carriers, subjected to comprehensive clinical evaluations in up to a 20-year longitudinal follow-up. We controlled for the following potential confounders: APOE, sex, hypothyroidism, education, marital status, residence, tobacco, alcohol, and drug abuse. Results: PSEN1 E280A carriers with depressive symptoms before mild cognitive impairment (MCI) develop dementia faster than E280A carriers without depressive symptoms (Hazard Ratio, HR = 1.95; 95% CI, 1.15–3.31). Not having a stable partner accelerated the onset of MCI (HR = 1.60; 95 % CI, 1.03–2.47) and dementia (HR = 1.68; 95 % CI, 1.09–2.60). E280A carriers with controlled hypothyroidism had later age of onset of depressive symptoms (HR = 0.48; 95 % CI, 0.25–0.92), dementia (HR = 0.43; 95 % CI, 0.21–0.84), and death (HR = 0.35; 95 % CI, 0.13–0.95). APOEɛ2 significantly affected AD progression in all stages. APOE polymorphisms were not associate to depressive symptoms. Women had a higher frequency and developed earlier depressive symptoms than men throughout the illness (HR = 1.63; 95 % CI, 1.14–2.32). Conclusion: Depressive symptoms accelerated progress and faster cognitive decline of autosomal dominant AD. Not having a stable partner and factors associated with early depressive symptoms (e.g., in females and individuals with untreated hypothyroidism), could impact prognosis, burden, and costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Szeged index of a connected graph G (Sz(G)) is a well known distance based topological index. A primitive coronoid system is a coronoid system formed by a single chain in a macro‐cyclic arrangement consisting of linearly and angularly annelated hexagons. The angular hexagons are called corners. A hollow hexagon is a primitive coronoid system with exactly six corners. In this paper we calculate the values of Szeged index of hollow hexagons using the cut method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Self-expanding metal prostheses improve dysphagia in patients with incurable esophageal cancer (EC). New stents have been introduced, and chemoradiotherapy has been implemented for EC, changing patients' risk profiles. It is unknown whether this has affected palliation with stents. Patients and methods: Retrospective study in three centers in Medellín-Colombia; patients undergoing placement of palliative esophageal prostheses for malignant dysphagia (1997-2022). Major and minor complications after implantation, the influence of oncological therapies, and survival were evaluated for 1997-2009 (n = 289) and 2010-2022 (n = 318). Results: 607 patients underwent esophageal prostheses; 296 (48.8%) became complicated. It was higher in the second period (52.5% vs. 48.1%), as were major complications (20.8% vs. 14.2%, p = 0.033), with no differences in minor complications (33.9% vs 31.8%, p = 0.765). Also, 190 (31.3%) patients presented with recurrent dysphagia, stable in both periods. Migration increased over time (from 13.1% to 18.2%, p = 0.09). The most common minor adverse event was pain, increasing over time (from 24.9% to 33.95%, p < 0.01), and associated factors were chemoradiotherapy, absence of fistula, and squamous cell carcinoma. Acid reflux decreased in the second group (p = 0.038). Twelve percent of patients required another intervention for feeding. Survival was not impacted by time and use of stents. Conclusions: Stents are an alternative in non-surgical malignant dysphagia, although recurrent dysphagia has not decreased over time. Minor stent-related complications are increasing in association with the implementation of chemoradiotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is a branch of fluid mechanics that uses numerical analysis and data structures to calculate, analyze, and visualize fluid (liquids, gases, and dissolved gases) flows. This document provides general introductions to best practices for CFD modeling in water infrastructure for practitioners, particularly those new to CFD modeling, which is becoming a widely used tool in the design and retrofitting of water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure. The method serves as an alternative, or complement, to physical modeling. In recent years, CFD has often been used in evaluating and troubleshooting existing water systems as well as improving future designs. As with the applications in other fields, the popularity of CFD in the water industry has been propelled by a multitude of factors including, but not limited to, the maturity achieved by CFD techniques, the development of stable and reliable numerical schemes, and the ever-improving computer-aided design (CAD) and meshing technologies for real-world complex geometries. This has been accompanied by many commercial and open-source CFD packages that can be run on increasingly more powerful computing hardware. Despite the visible progress in the application of CFD in water infrastructure projects achieved to date, there are still many challenges that hinder the widespread use of CFD techniques in water treatment design. Perhaps more important is that many of these challenges may result in misuse of the tool with dire consequences. It is imperative that CFD practitioners appropriately apply this tool without overpromising capability or accuracy and that reviewers of CFD model results know what to look for in ensuring proper methods have been applied and that results are representative of reality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite decades of effort, the preservation of complex organs for transplantation remains a significant barrier that exacerbates the organ shortage crisis. Progress in organ preservation research is significantly hindered by suboptimal research tools that force investigators to sacrifice translatability over throughput. For instance, simple model systems, such as single cell monolayers or co‐cultures, lack native tissue structure and functional assessment, while mammalian whole organs are complex systems with confounding variables not compatible with high‐throughput experimentation. In response, diverse fields and industries have bridged this experimental gap through the development of rich and robust resources for the use of zebrafish as a model organism. Through this study, we aim to demonstrate the value zebrafish pose for the fields of solid organ preservation and transplantation, especially with respect to experimental transplantation efforts. A wide array of methods were customized and validated for preservation‐specific experimentation utilizing zebrafish, including the development of assays at multiple developmental stages (larvae and adult), methods for loading and unloading preservation agents, and the development of viability scores to quantify functional outcomes. Using this platform, the largest and most comprehensive screen of cryoprotectant agents (CPAs) was performed to determine their toxicity and efficiency at preserving complex organ systems using a high subzero approach called partial freezing (i.e., storage in the frozen state at −10°C). As a result, adult zebrafish cardiac function was successfully preserved after 5 days of partial freezing storage. In combination, the methods and techniques developed have the potential to drive and accelerate research in the fields of solid organ preservation and transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nipah virus (NiV), an emerging zoonotic pathogen in Southeast Asia, is transmitted from Pteropus species of fruit bats to a wide range of species, including humans, pigs, horses, dogs, and cats. NiV has killed millions of animals and caused highly fatal human outbreaks since no vaccine is commercially available. This study characterized the immunogenicity and safety of poxvirus-based Nipah vaccines that can be used in humans and species responsible for NiV transmission. Mice were vaccinated with modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) and raccoon pox (RCN) viral vectors expressing the NiV fusion (F) and glycoprotein (G) proteins subcutaneously (SC) and intranasally (IN). Importantly, both vaccines did not induce significant weight loss or clinical signs of disease while generating high circulating neutralizing antibodies and lung-specific IgG and IgA responses. The MVA vaccine saw high phenotypic expression of effector and tissue resident memory CD8ɑ+ T cells in lungs and splenocytes along with the expression of central memory CD8ɑ+ T cells in lungs. The RCN vaccine generated effector memory (SC) and tissue resident (IN) CD8ɑ+ T cells in splenocytes and tissue resident (IN) CD8ɑ+ T cells in lung cells. These findings support MVA-FG and RCN-FG viral vectors as promising vaccine candidates to protect humans, domestic animals, and wildlife from fatal disease outcomes and to reduce the global threat of NiV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In advanced stages of heart failure, the prevalence of depressive illness can exceed 50%, which is associated with a worse clinical state, also increasing medical care costs. Objective: To identify and synthesize the most effective non-pharmacological interventions for the treatment of depression in patients with heart failure. Method: Studies published up to September 2021 involving depression and hear failure were identified by reviewing main databases. Two authors independently carried out the selection of the literature found. Results: Cognitive behavioral therapy and exercise were the most commonly used non-pharmacological interventions for depressive symptoms in patients with heart failure, with moderate to large effect sizes (Cohen’s d between 0.5 and 3.4). Conclusion: In patients with heart failure, cognitive behavioral therapy and exercise were shown to be better than usual care for depressive symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses the synergies between press and politics in the debate on the regulation of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) in Spain between 1979 and 2018. We argue that longitudinal analysis and comparison of this interaction and synergy reveal how the mainstream discourse has shifted. We use a dataset of news (N = 2,059), a news sample (n = 325) and a dataset of parliamentary records (N = 86). Using both quantitative and qualitative approaches, the dynamics of the interaction between the different institutions and actors involved is assessed. Specifically, the study analyses the media and parliamentary attention to CAM issues (agenda setting), how CAM is addressed (framing), and the actors who have a voice in the discourse (costructuring of power relations). The results indicate that relevant changes in the public debate on CAM have only occurred over the last few years, corresponding to three overlapping dynamics of influence of the media on politics: amplification, framing, and costructuring of power relations. This recent period has seen convergence in the discussion and narratives/frames used, which also corresponds to more widespread skepticism regarding CAM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taking as a starting point the objective of this article is the reinterpretation of the concept, forced by the technological and communication transformations that place the ideas of social and community, not as theoretical precepts, but as elements to discover on the studies proposed. A theoretical transversalization of the three authors will be sought, taking essential elements from their works to propose a new interpretative key that allows us to take the concept of community, not as a theoretical presupposition, but as an immanent product resulting from the daily connections made between the subjects, spontaneously, on the social field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The pathogenesis of vitiligo is multifactorial; its diagnosis is mainly clinical and, in selected cases, is supported by histopathological studies that show the absence of melanocytes. The fundamental aspects of vitiligo are presented with emphasis on immunopathological events. Methodology: Narrative review. The PubMed® and Google Scholar search engines were used, with the following terms: "vitiligo", "vitiligo aetiology", "immunopathogenesis of vitiligo" and "vitiligo history". A total of 45 articles were selected, including Colombian literature. Results and discussion: Vitiligo is a disease as old as humanity. Until today, a clear causal phenomenon has not been established, but rather a set of events related to its origin and perpetuation. Thanks to decades of research, some genetic and environmental influences on melanocytes have been revealed, which lead to a greater susceptibility to oxidative damage and a decrease in their intercellular adhesion. In response to different noxa, innate and adaptive immunity are activated, leading to the destruction of the melanocyte mediated by cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. Participation of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway, especially JAK-1 and JAK-2, and the CXCR3B chemokine receptor are highlighted. Conclusions: Multiple biological phenomena converge in the etiopathogenesis of vitiligo; the result is the activation of CD8+ T lymphocytes, responsible for the destruction of melanocytes. The understanding of immunopathogenic pathways opens the door to the use of target therapies, such as JAK inhibitors and CXCR3B inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linear mixed effects models are highly flexible in handling correlated data by considering covariance matrices that explain variation patterns between and within clusters. For these covariance matrices, there exist a wide list of possible structures proposed by researchers in multiple scientific areas. Maximum likelihood is the most common estimation method in linear mixed models and it depends on the structured covariance matrices for random effects and errors. Classical methods used to optimize the likelihood function, such as Newton-Raphson or Fisher's scoring, require analytical procedures to obtain parametrical restrictions to guarantee positive definiteness for the structured matrices and it is not, in general, an easy task. To avoid dealing with complex restrictions, we propose an adaptive method that incorporates the so-called Hybrid Genetic Algorithms with a penalization technique based on minimum eigenvalues to guarantee positive definiteness in an evolutionary process which discards non-viable cases. The proposed method is evaluated through simulations and its performance is compared with that of Newton-Raphson algorithm implemented in SAS® PROC MIXED V9.4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed 3371 dung beetle specimens from the Arauca department in the Orinoco region of Colombia stored at the Colección Entomológica de la Orinoquia (CEO). We recorded 20 genera, 34 species, and 16 morphospecies of dung beetles. This data set reports 30.6% of the records available for this taxonomic group in the Colombian Orinoquia (11025 specimens) in the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), reporting the increase in the altitudinal range of the Genieridium bordoni (Martínez, 1992) and Dichotomius costaricensis (Luederwalt, 1935). Furthermore, it extends the distribution range for 34 species, contributing to the current knowledge of the geographic distributions of Scarabaeidae in Colombia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecological communities of tropical regions respond to habitat configuration, being negatively affected by anthropogenic habitats. In the tropics, mountainous highland landscapes sustain ecological communities with contrasting responses to habitat transformation. This study assessed the effect of different habitats under different disturbance regimes on the dung beetle assemblage that inhabits a mountainous Andean landscape in Colombia. The habitat types surveyed were oak forest cores (low intervention), forest edges (medium intervention), and pastures (high intervention). A total of 3,810 dung beetles from ten species were collected. Dung beetle diversity was affected by habitat type, and forest cores and forest edges had higher diversity than pastures. Besides, each habitat type was characterized by a distinct dung beetle assemblage, with pastures showing the highest heterogeneity in the dung beetle assemblage. In conclusion, our study suggests that the dung beetles of a portion of Colombian Andean landscapes are sensitive to shifts of habitat quality. The higher dung beetle diversity in forested habitats indicates that pastures comprise limiting environments for their assemblages at this Andean region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe the beliefs and practices for health care of deaf people in Antioquia, in order to identify health education needs of this population. Methods: qualitative study with ethnographic techniques framed in a participatory action research; 22 semi-structured interviews and 4 focus groups were conducted with deaf people, in meetings mediated by an official interpreter of the Colombian Sign Language, of which video and audio were recorded for later transcription and analysis. Results: Complaints related to the language barrier that prevents them from knowing about health care emerged; beliefs and practices acquired at home and with peers about sexual and reproductive health, mental health, and lifestyles. The participants expressed concerns about care, health and illness that have not been addressed clearly and in their own language. Conclusions: Deaf people demand quality health care education under a differential approach, which will contribute to their autonomy, self-determination and the effective enjoyment of the right to health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiological, demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with rosacea, in addition to know the factors associated with flushing in these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study of patients with rosacea evaluated at a private practice dermatology center in Medellin, Colombia, from January 2006 to March 2022; made with secondary sources. RESULTS: Two hundred medical records of patients diagnosed with rosacea were analyzed, finding a female:male ratio of 2:1 and a higher frequency of rosacea between 30 to 59 years of age. The distribution of rosacea subtypes was erythematous-telangiectatic 29.5%, papular-pustular 45.5%, phymatous 2.5%, and ocular 22.5%; 97.5% of the patients had a positive skin-surface biopsy for Demodex, 84.5% showed pityriasis folliculorum on physical examination, and 60.5% reported flushing; 61.1% of patients with rosacea who underwent tests for Helicobacter pylori had a positive result. The prevalence of flushing observed in patients with a positive result for Helicobacter pylori was 24% higher compared to those who presented a negative result. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with rosacea and flushing have a higher prevalence of Helicobacter pylori, therefore it is important to rule out this infection in these subjects. In addition, our data suggest a higher prevalence of ocular rosacea than reported in other studies conducted in Colombia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mpox, formerly called monkeypox, is now the most serious orthopoxvirus (OPXV) infection in humans. This zoonotic disease has been gradually re-emerging in humans with an increasing frequency of cases found in endemic areas, as well as an escalating frequency and size of epidemics outside of endemic areas in Africa. Currently, the largest known mpox epidemic is spreading throughout the world, with over 85,650 cases to date, mostly in Europe and North America. These increased endemic cases and epidemics are likely driven primarily by decreasing global immunity to OPXVs, along with other possible causes. The current unprecedented global outbreak of mpox has demonstrated higher numbers of human cases and greater human-to-human transmission than previously documented, necessitating an urgent need to better understand this disease in humans and animals. Monkeypox virus (MPXV) infections in animals, both naturally occurring and experimental, have provided critical information about the routes of transmission; the viral pathogenicity factors; the methods of control, such as vaccination and antivirals; the disease ecology in reservoir host species; and the conservation impacts on wildlife species. This review briefly described the epidemiology and transmission of MPXV between animals and humans and summarizes past studies on the ecology of MPXV in wild animals and experimental studies in captive animal models, with a focus on how animal infections have informed knowledge concerning various aspects of this pathogen. Knowledge gaps were highlighted in areas where future research, both in captive and free-ranging animals, could inform efforts to understand and control this disease in both humans and animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing on the author's experience of collaborative research with the Cañamomo-Lomaprieta people in the western Colombian Andes, this article discusses the challenges of conducting ethnohistorical research on Indigenous land claims from the double role of historian and lawyer. It argues that this dual position presents both risks and benefits for ethnohistorical research. On the one hand, wearing both hats entails the risk of digging into the past to make a case for current land claims, thus losing sight of a more complex and comprehensive understanding of the past on its own terms. On the other, the lawyer-historian gaze may provide critical insight into the workings of the law in past processes of privatization and commodification of Indigenous lands. Legal training better equips historians for understanding the technical details of land transactions, lawmaking, and judicial decision-making. It also enables the historian to raise questions about the legal validity of past judicial decisions and land transactions that still impact current land disputes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work sets the matrix variate Birnbaum–Saunders theory in the context of singular distributions and elliptical models. The termed singular matrix variate generalized Birnbaum–Saunders distribution is obtained with respect the Hausdorff measure. Several basic properties and particular cases of this distribution are also derived. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is one of the most technically complex procedures in interventional radiology, the need to connect two veins with variable anatomy, located in two different planes in hard and many times small cirrhotic livers using a needle, can be quite challenging. Despite more than 30 years of performing TIPS, the complex hemodynamics of the portal system are not fully understood, and sometimes unpredictable alterations of the portal flow can lead to serious unexpected complications. The best strategies to prevent TIPS complications are optimal patient selection, meticulous technique, operator experience, and immediate correction of identified adverse events. The purpose of this article is to review the technical complications with TIPS, the unique complications related to the use of stent grafts, and the late complications after the procedure, with emphasis on ways to prevent and treat them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) are effective in reducing the portosystemic gradient and relieving complications of portal hypertension. Despite optimal patient selection, TIPS placement can be limited due to worsening hepatic encephalopathy and liver failure. In these cases, TIPS reduction may be necessary. A brief history of TIPS reduction and techniques for reduction are reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The variability in the structure of aquatic communities is frequently attributed to environmental changes; however, in stable environments such as regulated rivers, trophic interactions could be another key environmental factor determining the structure of these communities. These alterations could cause a greater growth of algae, and in turn, changes in the functional groups and in the composition of the macroinvertebrate community favoring the dominance of certain groups of organisms. Objective: To identify the effects of environmental variations and changes in the structure of the phycoperiphyton on the macroinvertebrate community of regulated Andean rivers. Methods: We analyzed environmental and biological data collected in quarterly samples carried out between 2010 and 2018 in two rivers of the Central Andes (Antioquia - Colombia), for a total of 27 samples. Sample collections used standardized methods. Different statistical models were used to establish spatial and temporal patterns of the environmental variables, of the abundance and/or density and diversity of phycoperiphyton and macroinvertebrates, as well as the trophic relationships that exists between them. Results: We found that regulated rivers present relatively little environmental variability. The environmental parameters with the greatest variation were temperature, turbidity, and orthophosphates; these last two were the abiotic variables with the greatest contribution to benthic instability. Conclusion: The presence of scraping and foraging macroinvertebrates was more affected by the stability of the phycoperiphyton density than by environmental variables, showing the importance of trophic interactions in regulated rivers and the bottom up control in these ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Television series act as one of the primary sources of information on mental and neurological disorders. However, research on the accurate representation of mental disorders concerning their clinical reality is still lacking, mainly since it requires an interdisciplinary approach with higher complexity. This article aims to analyse the narrative depiction of depression, autism without intellectual disability, and antisocial personality disorder through three TV series case studies: Atypical (Netflix, 2017-2021), My Mad Fat Diary (E4, 2013-2015), and The End of The F***ing World (E4 & Netflix, 2017-2019). Moreover, it intends to identify which stereotypes are still predominant on-screen. Hence, the authors propose a narrative content analysis based on the medication, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and Stahl's Essential Pharmacology Guide. By doing so, the authors apply a methodology based on the standard analysis measurement of different case studies under a unified pattern for mental disorders' adding intrinsic socio-economic and gender aspects. Results show that current TV series are trying to opt for better representations, but many still perpetuate misconceptions and misrepresentations due to a tension between showing realistic, educational values (edutainment) and opting for a gripping audiovisual and narrative drama. In conclusion, diverse realities are hardly achieved. Finally, newer TV series include commentary on how individual's may be the target of their own anger/frustrations, rather than directing it at the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alopecia areata (AA) represents an underrecognized burden in Latin America (LA), severely impacting quality of life (QoL). This impact is exacerbated by limited access to specialized dermatologic care and therapies for AA within and among nations. Many of the unmet needs for AA globally also exist in LA. The region has geographic, ethnic, cultural, and economic conditions. With new AA medicines targeting immunologic pathways on the horizon, LA must prepare regarding regulatory issues, reimbursement, awareness, and education to give adequate and timely treatment for patients with AA. To address these issues, the Americas Health Foundation convened a panel of six dermatologists from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico who are experts in AA and its comorbidities for a 3-day virtual meeting to discuss AA diagnosis and treatment in LA and create a manuscript offering recommendations to address discussed barriers. This publication examines unmet AA needs in LA, treatment, and innovative therapies and recommends improving AA care. Access constraints to conventional and novel medicines hinder appropriate treatments for patients. Therapy initiation delays can affect QoL, mental health, and disease progression. People with AA face stigmas, discrimination, and misconceptions owing to a lack of disease awareness. With promising new treatments for AA on the horizon, all stakeholders must coordinate efforts to enhance LA's AA management landscape and improve patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To recount the immunopathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection and its skin manifestations. METHODOLOGY: A literature search was performed in the MEDLINE database through the PubMed search engine with the terms "SARS-CoV-2", "SARS-CoV", "Covid-19", "Skin", "Dermatology", "Cutaneous", "Immunology", "Immune". RESULTS: In COVID-19 disease, multiple pathophysiological mechanisms are described, among which the binding of the virus to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors in endothelial cells that facilitate the involvement of adjuvant skin, the depletion of T lymphocytes (LT), the generation of a cytokine storm and the activation of macrophages, among others. CONCLUSIONS: An update is made on the knowledge about the immunopathogenesis of COVID-19 and its main cutaneous manifestations, highlighting the need to carry out more research studies that allow a better understanding of it and the creation of possible therapeutic targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a typical instructional setting, teachers are responsible for making ongoing decisions that involve judgments of students' capabilities, knowledge, learning needs, and progress toward a certain pre-specified goal. However, there is a significant within-teacher as well as a great between-teacher variability in the actual determination of grades. Grades appear to be an amalgam of characteristics of a student, filtered through a range of teacher personality variables. The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which pre-service teachers agreed on students' grades in writing task between holistic and analytic grading approaches and how their individual characteristics and beliefs about features of assessment explained the variability in grading practices. Teacher candidates (N = 231, 65% female) enrolled in a training program in 2020 and 2021 cohorts at the University of València, Spain, were asked to read two essays, identified by experts as being of low and high quality, and assign holistic and analytic grades. although teacher candidates provided grades consistently across the two approaches (intra-individual differences), there was a high variability in the distribution among participants (inter-individual differences). We found that, gender, area of specialization, attitudes toward feedback, and extraversion were significant predictors of grading variability. This study highlights the considerable variation in grading practices among pre-service teachers, indicating the influence of individual factors such as gender, specialization, feedback receptivity, and extraversion. Despite consistent grading within specific approaches, the inter-individual differences in scores were substantial. Due to the consequential nature of teacher grades, our findings offer important insights and have critical implications for teacher preparation and professional development programs. • The study examined how pre-service teachers assigned grades using holistic and analytic approaches. • Pre-service teachers assigned similar grades across different grading approach. • However, there was a significant variability among teachers, irrespective of approach or essay quality. • The use of rubrics did not significantly improve inter-rater consistency in assigning grades. • Gender, specialization, feedback receptivity, and extraversion influenced grading. • The study underscored implications for teacher preparation and professional development programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gas metal arc welding (GMAW) process is one of the most important in the industry, so different efforts have been made to anticipate the parameters to convert this process into a stable one capable of joining parts with minimum human interference. In this sense, controlling is essential for automated applications because properties such as the weld mechanical strength are defined by the metal composition, the microstructure, and the weld bead geometry. Nevertheless, performing this automatic control to guarantee quality characteristics similar to a human expert's in mechanized welding systems is still tricky. Nowadays, although various sensors have been used in the monitoring for control, it is still hard to detect effective options to real-time identify geometry characteristics in the formation process of the welds. Furthermore, even today, a process much more complex is to control more than one parameter simultaneously or control the weld penetration using a single sensor. Then, this research describes two intelligence systems for real-time control of the weld bead geometry in the GMAW process. The first is a passive vision system with sensor fusion that controls the width and height; the second is an active vision system that controls the penetration. Results indicate that the proposed methodology can be applied to simultaneously control external geometrical parameters without a predefined model of the welding process. In the case of penetration, a fuzzy controller and a neural network-based model help the system adapt to input parameter variations throughout the welding process, thus correcting instabilities under changing operating conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) cells interact and modulate components of their surrounding microenvironment into their own benefit. Stromal cells have been shown to support AML survival and progression through various mechanisms. Nonetheless, whether AML cells could establish beneficial metabolic interactions with stromal cells is underexplored. By using a combination of human AML cell lines and AML patient samples together with mouse stromal cells and a MLL-AF9 mouse model, here we identify a novel metabolic crosstalk between AML and stromal cells where AML cells prompt stromal cells to secrete acetate for their own consumption to feed the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) and lipid biosynthesis. By performing transcriptome analysis and tracer-based metabolic NMR analysis, we observe that stromal cells present a higher rate of glycolysis when co-cultured with AML cells. We also find that acetate in stromal cells is derived from pyruvate via chemical conversion under the influence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) following ROS transfer from AML to stromal cells via gap junctions. Overall, we present a unique metabolic communication between AML and stromal cells and propose two different molecular targets, ACSS2 and gap junctions, that could potentially be exploited for adjuvant therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) cells interact and modulate components of their surrounding microenvironment into their own benefit. Stromal cells have been shown to support AML survival and progression through various mechanisms. Nonetheless, whether AML cells could establish beneficial metabolic interactions with stromal cells is underexplored. By using a combination of human AML cell lines and AML patient samples together with mouse stromal cells and a MLL-AF9 mouse model, here we identify a novel metabolic crosstalk between AML and stromal cells where AML cells prompt stromal cells to secrete acetate for their own consumption to feed the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) and lipid biosynthesis. By performing transcriptome analysis and tracer-based metabolic NMR analysis, we observe that stromal cells present a higher rate of glycolysis when co-cultured with AML cells. We also find that acetate in stromal cells is derived from pyruvate via chemical conversion under the influence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) following ROS transfer from AML to stromal cells via gap junctions. Overall, we present a unique metabolic communication between AML and stromal cells and propose two different molecular targets, ACSS2 and gap junctions, that could potentially be exploited for adjuvant therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of research on trends in the information sciences in the framework of the project "Curricular innovation of the undergraduate programs in Archival and Library Sciences of the Universidad de Antioquia" of the Escuela Interamericana de Bibliotecología. Social trends were analyzed to think about how political, educational, economic, and environmental factors influence the contexts in which professionals and institutions operate; trends in scientific and academic production in the field of information sciences, to investigate where research is going. Trends in information and data technologies are described, characterized by rapid changes and developments which indicate the horizons of this area of work, but which are not the sole determinant of trends. Finally, we reflect on trends in institutions, how they respond to these transformations and social and technological demands. The method implemented in the research had a mainly qualitative approach, using four research techniques: 1) analysis of social networks of scientific production; 2) consultation of press releases from multilateral organizations and institutions in the area; 3) analysis of market sources; and 4) development of in-depth interviews with specialists in the field. It is concluded that technological development and the role of information and memory professionals and institutions demand constant and abrupt changes for the adoption of new technologies. However, care must be taken; a critical and conscious position must be taken, which does not ignore the foundations of the fields of knowledge, and the social and cultural practices that professionals face. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Climate-related disasters are the most representative in terms of recurrence and impacts. To reduce them, risk transfer is a key strategy for climate risk management. However, this approach does not consider the socioeconomic vulnerability of each population group, limiting its effectiveness. The objective of this paper is to improve and increase the usefulness of risk transfer through the Differential Risk Transfer (DRT) approach. Design/methodology/approach: A comprehensive and systematic review of the state of the art on Differential Approach (DA) is presented, and its connection with existing models of vulnerability to disasters is analysed. Through epistemic deliberations, an operational definition of Differential Risk Transfer (DRT), as well as its advantages are discussed. Finally, general guidelines are presented for the implementation of the DRT in a specific context. Findings: The results confirm that DA presents a clear relation with the models for the study of disaster vulnerability. The small group discussions agree with the usefulness of DRT for improving climate-related risk management. Practical implications: This paper argues for the inclusion of the DRT approach in the climate risk management strategies aiming to fill the disaggregated data gaps that limit the potentiality and accuracy of risk transfer schemes worldwide. Originality/value: This innovative approach improves the accuracy of the risk transfer mechanisms through the recognition of the differences of ethnicity, gender and life cycle that increase socioeconomic vulnerability to climate-related disasters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Niche breadth and niche overlap measurements have been widely used together to assess resource dynamics in biological communities. However, the estimations of these measurements are susceptible to bias due to sample size. Alternatives such as standardization of niche breadth have been implemented to try and mitigate this bias, but standardization does not solve the underlying problem. In anuran trophic ecology, sampling is usually incomplete, which constrains comparisons. A solution to this problem could lie in implementing an analysis using Hill’s series (also called Hill numbers) for comparisons under the same sample coverage; however, this approach has not yet been tested in anuran trophic ecology research. The objectives of this work were to evaluate the bias resulting from sample size for the most frequently used measurements of niche breadth and niche overlap in anuran trophic ecology vis-à-vis overlap measurements derived from Hill’s series and to provide a least biased protocol for anuran trophic ecology evaluations. We built data matrices with similar features to those expected for anuran assemblages and quantified the bias of each measurement for different sample sizes. We found that Hill’s series measurements were less biased and more informative than traditional ones. We provide an analysis guideline based on Hill’s series that facilitates direct comparisons between predator species regarding their consumed and shared prey communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global climate change has profound effects on species, especially those in habitats already altered by humans. Tropical ectotherms are predicted to be at high risk from global temperature increases, particularly those adapted to cooler temperatures at higher altitudes. We investigated how one such species, the water anole (Anolis aquaticus), is affected by temperature stress similar to that of a warming climate across a gradient of human-altered habitats at high elevation sites. We conducted a field survey on thermal traits and measured lizard critical thermal maxima across the sites. From the field survey, we found that (1) lizards from the least disturbed site and (2) operative temperature models of lizards placed in the least disturbed site had lower temperatures than those from sites with histories of human disturbance. Individuals from the least disturbed site also demonstrated greater tolerance to high temperatures than those from the more disturbed sites, in both their critical thermal maxima and the time spent at high temperatures prior to reaching critical thermal maxima. Our results demonstrate within-species variability in responses to high temperatures, depending on habitat type, and provide insight into how tropical reptiles may fare in a warming world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]