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Background: The first monograph of the genus Viguiera was published in 1918 by Blake, including about 141 species. Schilling & Panero based on studies of molecular sequences of nuclear Internal Transcribed Spacer and External Transcribed Spacer, as well as cpDNA, proposed to reclassify the genus, relocating its species in at least other nine genera. Question: Is it possible to identify distinctive patterns between the species of the new classification of Viguiera s. l. and the results of the chemical studies reported? Species considered: Sixty-seven species within the wide Viguiera circumscription with chemical studies and biological activities reported. Results: The species of the genus Viguiera synthesize terpenoids represented mainly by sesquiterpene lactones and diterpenes, with triterpenes, polyacetylenes, volatile terpenoids and flavonoids also present. The main types of secondary metabolites were present in the studied species, although some compounds were more frequent than others in some clades. Conclusion: Germacrolides, heliangolides, furanoheliangolides, tetracyclic diterpenes and flavonoids are the main constituents of Viguiera and segregated genera. Some interesting chemotaxonomic relationships are noted. Nevertheless, nondistinctive clear patterns were observed between clades and chemical groups. These results may be a consequence of the reported chemical studies of the species of Viguiera s. l., which have not agreed on objetives or methodologies.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

Este estudio tiene como objetivo precisar la importancia, viabilidad, riesgos y retos de la reciente aprobación constitucional en materia de reelección de los períodos de gobierno por parte de los ayuntamientos en México. Si bien ha existido un debate histórico en torno a la reelección en México, producto de diversas posturas encontradas a favor o en contra, el tema en la actualidad ha sido superado y aprobado; por lo que, particularizando en la figura de los ayuntamientos, la continuidad en el ejercicio de sus funciones de forma inmediata puede lograr mayores ventajas de gobernabilidad y profesionalización, pero a su vez implica nuevos compromisos y retos que deben ser adquiridos en plena observancia de la legalidad y la ética pública.

The chemical study of Roldana platanifolia led to the isolation of β-caryophyllene, five eremophilanolides, chlorogenic acid, and a mixture of β-sitosterol-stigmasterol, β-sitosteryl glucopyranoside, and sucrose. The anti-inflammatory activities of the extracts and isolated products were tested using the 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) model of induced acute inflammation. The acetone and methanol extracts showed dose dependent activities (ID50 0.21 and 0.32 mg/ear, respectively), while none of the isolated compounds exhibited relevant edema inhibition. The active extracts were also evaluated with the myeloperoxidase assay technique (MPO) to determine their ability to prevent neutrophil infiltration. Results showed that the anti-inflammatory activity was related to the compound’s ability to inhibit pro-inflammatory mediators such as neutrophils.

Presentamos información de las aves del estado de Morelos recabada de trabajo de campo original en el estado y consulta de colecciones científicas. Se discute la ampliación de la distribución de 16 especies que son nuevas para el estado, y localidades y fechas notables para otras 18 que representan información nueva relevante.

Clevosaurus was a cosmopolitan rhynchocephalian genus, known from the Late Triassic to the Early Jurassic. In South America this genus is represented by C. brasiliensis, an important component of the Linha São Luiz taphocoenosis, on the top of the Norian Santa Maria 2 Sequence of Southern Brazil. The best preserved and most abundant bone elements of C. brasiliensis are dentaries, in which variations of shape and size are observed. The aim of this study is to describe and evaluate the variation, using geometric morphometrics methods. Geometric morphometric analysis of 10 specimens highlights variations in relative size of the dentary. Most of the variation observed for PC1 (83.3%) is likely related to ontogeny, and PC2 (10.0%) is likely related to taphonomic signatures. The development patterns observed, such as the growth of the dentary, consists of differential growth in length between the posterior portion of the dentary, that grows at a higher rate, regarding the anterior portion of the element. This allometric growth is similar to what is observed in other rhynchocephalians and is accompanied by the allometric skull growth, similar to the trend exhibited by clevosaurs. The taphocoenosis is bimodal (juveniles and adults) with a bias towards adult preservation. Some diagenetic influence is reflected in deformed skulls and this is observed in the tangent-plot. Finally, a strong correlation was detected between the taphonomic signatures and the PC2, regarding specially disarticulation and degree of fragmentation.

En este trabajo se presentan los resultados de un estudio sobre la consistencia y distribución del conocimiento tradicional de la flora medicinal de San Rafael, en el municipio de Coxcatlán, Puebla. Se efectuaron dos tipos de entrevistas (abierta y estructurada) a 60 informantes. La aplicación de la prueba de ji cuadrada y el coeficiente de Spearman a los datos, revelaron que no existen diferencias significativas en el conocimiento sobre las plantas medicinales y las características personales de los informantes, aunque pudo observarse una tendencia que señala que las personas de más edad conocen un mayor número de plantas que los jóvenes. Un análisis de correspondencia mostró que no hay ningún patrón de distribución del conocimiento sobre la flora medicinal y que la variación observada es al azar. El análisis de los datos obtenidos en la entrevista estructurada y ajustados a un modelo lineal frente a los datos de la primera entrevista, mostró que más de 90% de los eventos registrados en la entrevista estructurada son determinados por lo registrado en las entrevistas abiertas. El reducido tamaño del poblado y la sistemática interacción entre sus habitantes, podrían explicar la homogeneidad en el conocimiento tradicional de los pobladores de San Rafael acerca de las propiedades curativas de las plantas.

The research focuses on analyzing, from the theory of fiscal federalism, the harmonization and correspondence of the relationships that intergovernmental transfers have: with the rent distribution function (income) and the resource allocation function (expenditure); with its objectives of fiscal equity and economic efficiency; with its implementation through unconditional transfers (participations) and conditioned (contributions) and; with its impact on the fiscal effort (flypaper or fiscal laziness) in the local governments of Mexico. The main point to consider, in the study for Mexico, is to examine the correspondence that should exist between the objectives and implementation of intergovernmental transfers and their impact on the fiscal effort of local governments. Without a doubt, it is the implementation of federal transfers (participations (branch 28) and contributions (branch 33)), and their impact on the fiscal effort (positive or negative), which allows us to know the relationship or not of the functions of the public sector (income distribution and allocation of resources) and the sought-after objectives of fiscal equity and economic efficiency established by the federal government to compensate for fiscal imbalances (vertical and horizontal) of local governments. Therefore, if the implementation of intergovernmental transfers is not related to the desired objective and/or if the objective is not clear in its implementation, economic inefficiencies will be generated due to the origin and management of public resources or deficiencies in well-being. social of the population. In the case of Mexico, the incorporation of branch 33 (federal contributions) in chapter V of the Fiscal Coordination Law in 1998 and its implementation in 1999 has caused, according to several empirical studies, a negative impact (fiscal laziness) in the fiscal effort in most local governments, due to the lack of clarity in the objectives of each of their funds and the measurement variables in their resource allocation formulas that do not correspond to the objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Textual is the property of Universidad Autonoma Chapingo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Textual is the property of Universidad Autonoma Chapingo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Triassic rhynchocephalians from South America are relatively sparse, based on one taxon from the Norian of Argentina (i.e., Sphenotitan leyesi) and three records from the Late Carnian (i.e., indet. taxon) and Norian (i.e., Clevosaurus brasiliensis and indet. taxon) of Brazil. We described here a new occurrence of rhynchocephalians from a new Late Carnian locality of southern Brazil, based on an isolated palatine with teeth, referred to that group due to the morphological similarity whit the palatines of the other taxa of the same group. The specimen comes from the municipality of Vale do Sol, collected within a layer with abundant material of Hyperodapedon sp. (Rhynchosauria), which is referred to the Hyperodapedon Assemblage Zone (Late Carnian) of the Candelária Sequence, Santa Maria Supersequence. The isolated palatine here described cannot be referred to any hitherto known species, but it provides an additional record for the few putative ones of Carnian age in South America. Moreover, we figure and describe the palatine anatomy of Clevosaurus brasiliensis, based on two specimens, which have relevant data poorly addressed in previous contributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a new eusphenodontian, Lanceirosphenodon ferigoloi gen. et sp. nov., from the Upper Triassic (Norian) Riograndia Assemblage Zone (AZ) of the Candelária Sequence (Santa Maria Supersequence) of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The new taxon consists of an almost complete left dentary with dentition, which exhibits a mosaic of features considered 'typical' of non-eusphenodontian rhynchocephalians, along with others reported for eusphenodontian taxa. It has the typical rhynchocephalian regionalized dentition with 19 teeth and also pleuroacrodont implantation; the additional dentition presents alternation of size and shape, with the last additional teeth resembling a spear in labial view. A well-developed chin is also present. Our phylogenetic analysis places Lanceirosphenodon as one of the most basal eusphenodontians and reinforces the hypothesis that Rhynchocephalia underwent an early diversification, probably in the Early Triassic, followed by an explosion in morphological disparity. Based on the ontogenetic sequence of Sphenodon, Lanceirosphenodon fitted between stages T2 and T3, representing a probable early juvenile individual. In spite of its ontogenetic stage, the set of characters present in Lanceirosphenodon, including two autapomorphies, supports its recognition as a new taxon. This new taxon increases our knowledge of the faunal diversity in the Triassic of Gondwana and more locally for the Riograndia Assemblage Zone of southern Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this contribution, we re-describe the holotype (i.e., the posterior fragment of a left dentary with dentition) of Cargninia enigmatica from the Riograndia Assemblage Zone, Candelária Sequence, Santa Maria Supersequence (Upper Triassic, Brazil), originally considered a member of the Lepidosauria. In addition, two other specimens of lepidosauromorphs from the same locality are described and compared. Broad comparisons suggest that C. enigmatica possesses a unique combination of features, but several key features are widely distributed among basal non-rhynchocephalian lepidosauromorphs and kuehneosaurids. Thus, two possible scenarios are proposed: (1) Cargninia is a basal non-lepidosaurian lepidosauromorph, or (2) it is a basal lepidosaurian. The new specimens are a portion of a right maxilla with teeth (in two fragments) and a fragment of a dentary with teeth. The first specimen is identified as a lepidosauromorph because the maxilla cannot be directly compared with the holotype of C. enigmatica and it is difficult to evaluate if the differences in the dentition (upper versus lower teeth) are the result of intra- or interspecific variation. The dentary, on the other hand, is tentatively referred to C. enigmatica. These specimens together add new clues to understanding the early evolution of Lepidosauromorpha. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Previous studies report the isolation mainly of terthiophene derivatives and flavonoids from Dyssodia species. Terthiophenes are known as photosensitizers by their capacity to generate singlet oxygen (1O2), and flavonoid antioxidant activity is recognized. These opposite properties could represent interesting options in photodynamic therapy. Objective: To determine the antioxidant and photosensitizer activities of extracts and isolates of Dyssodia pinnata by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). Methodology: Extracts and isolates were evaluated as antioxidants by the interactions with copper ion (Cu2+) observed in EPR, and by the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and the thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS) methods. Their abilities as 1O2 producers were also estimated by EPR. Results: Terthiophenes were obtained from hexane (DPH) and acetone (DPA) extracts, and flavonoids from DPA and methanol (DPM) extracts. The interaction with Cu2+ of extracts and isolated compounds of Dyssodia pinnata showed two effects in EPR: reduction and chelation; flavonoids exhibited both effects, while terthiophenes showed only reduction. DPA, DPM, and flavonoids were active in DPPH and TBARS assays. Quercetagetin‐7‐O‐β‐glucoside showed the highest antioxidant and chelating activities, 3‐glycosidated flavonoids were less active. Upon irradiation extracts and terthiophenes induced 1O2 formation. Conclusion: Flavonoid reducing activity on Cu2+ and free radical scavenging capacity were related to the number of hydroxy groups and to the conjugation between the B and C rings. All tested flavonols showed a major complex with Cu2+, with the most probable site of chelation between the 5‐hydroxy and 4‐oxo groups. Extracts and terthiophene derivatives showed photosensitizer activity. Thus, EPR is useful to evaluate free radical scavenging and pro‐oxidant properties. The phytochemical study of Dyssodia pinnata led to the isolation of terthiophenes and flavonoids. The antioxidant activity of extracts and isolates was evaluated by the reductive and chelating effects on Cu+2 observed in EPR, and by the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical and the thiobarbituric reactive substances methods. Their abilities as singlet oxygen producers were estimated by EPR. Results show that EPR could be a useful technique to determine the potential of natural products to prevent oxidative damage, and to evaluate pro‐oxidant properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species of genus Sida are used around the world for a large amount of therapeutic treatments, including hyperglycemia. α-Glucosidase inhibitors are recognized as valuable tools for reducing postprandial hyperglycemia by retarding absorption of glucose. The effect of extracts and isolated compounds of S. acuta and S. rhombifolia on inhibition of α-glucosidase as primary screening of anti-hyperglycemic activity was tested using yeast and mammalian α-glucosidases. When yeast α-glucosidase was used the acetone extracts of S. acuta and S. rhombifolia showed IC50 values of 8.49 ± 0.66 and 8.10 ± 0.34 µg mL-1, respectively, and the most active compound was p-hydroxyphenethyl trans-ferulate (IC50 19.24 ± 1.73 µmol L-1) followed by β-sitosteryl glucopyranoside (IC5032.70 ± 1.35 µmol L-1). However, the activity of extracts and isolated compounds decreased significantly when mammalian α-glucosidase was used, indicating that substrates affinity is higher for type 1 enzymes. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of extracts and isolates were also tested since many diabetic complications are associated to the oxidative stress and inflammatory immune responses. Acetone extracts were the most active in all evaluations. p-Hydroxyphenethyl trans-ferulate, could be associated to these activities, since it was active in the three evaluations. This effect could be related to its phenolic character.

Clevosauruswas a cosmopolitan Rhynchocephalia genus restricted to the Late Triassic and the Early Jurassic. In Brazil,C. brasiliensisis one of the most conspicuous species collected from the Candelária Sequence (RiograndiaAssemblage Zone, Norian age) of the Santa Maria Supersequence. Several jaws ofC. brasiliensisare housed in the Laboratório de Paleontologia de Vertebrados of the Instituto de Geociências-UFRGS. Some of these jaws bear a relatively small protuberant bony callus on the anterolateral margin of the dentary, evidenced by a different tissue pattern incorporating small pits and discrete grooves. This pattern closely resembles a common bone infection known in the mandible of the extantSphenodon punctatus. Although this similarity, the infection may be the result of two possible processes: as consequence of orthal jaw shearing movements during feeding at the moments that the dentary impacts with the enlarged premaxillary tooth or due to injuries produced after fights between conspecific individuals (as is the case forS. punctatus). If the second hypothesis is correct, the same pathological processes probably occurred in the Late TriassicC. brasiliensisindicating that similar ethological conditions were already present at the beginning of the Mesozoic, during the initial radiation of the lepidosaurian clade. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Clevosaurus was a cosmopolitan rhynchocephalian genus, known from the Late Triassic to the Early Jurassic. In South America this genus is represented by C. brasiliensis, an important component of the Linha São Luiz taphocoenosis, on the top of the Norian Santa Maria 2 Sequence of Southern Brazil. The best preserved and most abundant bone elements of C. brasiliensis are dentaries, in which variations of shape and size are observed. The aim of this study is to describe and evaluate the variation, using geometric morphometrics methods. Geometric morphometric analysis of 10 specimens highlights variations in relative size of the dentary. Most of the variation observed for PC1 (83.3%) is likely related to ontogeny, and PC2 (10.0%) is likely related to taphonomic signatures. The development patterns observed, such as the growth of the dentary, consists of differential growth in length between the posterior portion of the dentary, that grows at a higher rate, regarding the anterior portion of the element. This allometric growth is similar to what is observed in other rhynchocephalians and is accompanied by the allometric skull growth, similar to the trend exhibited by clevosaurs. The taphocoenosis is bimodal (juveniles and adults) with a bias towards adult preservation. Some diagenetic influence is reflected in deformed skulls and this is observed in the tangent-plot. Finally, a strong correlation was detected between the taphonomic signatures and the PC2, regarding specially disarticulation and degree of fragmentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of biologic therapies for patients with cancer has in part been impeded by the extraordinary complexity and intrinsic feedback mechanisms promoting homeostasis in tissue injury, repair, inflammation, and immunity. Recombinant interleukin 2 (IL-2) therapy was initiated in 1984 based on its role as the prototypic T-cell growth factor, with novel roles deduced late after its FDA approval in regulating not only effector T cells but also regulatory T cells. Complicating its application, even in the most sophisticated centers, has been the manageable but difficult toxicities attendant on its use in spite of clear evidence of complete responses in 5–10% of treated patients with melanoma and renal cell carcinoma with extraordinary durability lasting now for almost 25 years, thus tantamount to “cures.” Although efforts have been made to diminish toxicity or enhance efficacy the only substantive advance in combination therapy has been the application of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and the antibody to CTLA4. A deeper understanding of the “limiting” toxicity associated with mild flu-like symptoms and more debilitating cytokine “storm” not forthcoming. Here we propose the notion that the systemic syndrome associated with IL-2 administration is due to global cytokine-induced autophagy and temporally limited tissue dysfunction. The possible role of autophagy inhibitors to enhance efficacy and limit toxicity as well as possible problems with this approach are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the eighth most common malignancy in adults in the United States. More than 50% of individuals present with metastatic disease and conventional chemotherapeutic strategies have been associated with poor response rates. Immunotherapy with Interleukin (IL)-2, however, induces durable remission, achieving >10 year recurrence free survival in 5–10% of patients with advanced RCC. First described as a T cell growth factor, IL-2 has a wide spectrum of effects in the immune system. Some of the possible mechanisms by which IL-2 carries out its anticancer effects include the augmentation of cytotoxic immune cell functions and reversal of T cell anergy, enabling delivery of immune cells and possibly serum components into tumor. IL-2 indirectly limits tumor escape mechanisms such as defective tumor cell expression of Class I or Class II molecules or expansion of regulatory T cells. Indirect effects on the tumor microenvironment are also likely and associated with rather dramatic T cell infiltration during the global delayed type hypersensitivity response that is associated with systemic IL-2 administration. The IL-2 signaling pathway, its effects on immune cells, and its role in various independent mechanisms of tumor surveillance likely play a role but little substantive data defining a clear phenotype or genotype of IL-2 responders distinguishing them from nonresponders has emerged in the last 25 years since IL-2 therapy was initiated. At best, we can only speculate that the disturbed homeostatic host/tumor interaction is reset in a small subset of patients allowing an antitumor response to recover or ensue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]