Search

Aim: Squamate fitness is affected by body temperature, which in turn is influenced by environmental temperatures and, in many species, by exposure to solar radiation. The biophysical drivers of body temperature have been widely studied, but we lack an integrative synthesis of actual body temperatures experienced in the field, and their relationships to environmental temperatures, across phylogeny, behaviour and climate. Location: Global (25 countries on six continents). Taxa: Squamates (210 species, representing 25 families). Methods: We measured the body temperatures of 20,231 individuals of squamates in the field while they were active. We examined how body temperatures vary with substrate and air temperatures across taxa, climates and behaviours (basking and diel activity). Results: Heliothermic lizards had the highest body temperatures. Their body temperatures were the most weakly correlated with substrate and air temperatures. Body temperatures of non‐heliothermic diurnal lizards were similar to heliotherms in relation to air temperature, but similar to nocturnal species in relation to substrate temperatures. The correlation of body temperature with air and substrate temperatures was stronger in diurnal snakes and non‐heliothermic lizards than in heliotherms. Body‐substrate and body‐air temperature correlations varied with mean annual temperatures in all diurnal squamates, especially in heliotherms. Thermal relations vary with behaviour (heliothermy, nocturnality) in cold climates but converge towards the same relation in warm climates. Non‐heliotherms and nocturnal species body temperatures are better explained by substrate temperature than by air temperature. Body temperature distributions become left‐skewed in warmer‐bodied species, especially in colder climates. Main Conclusions: Squamate body temperatures, their frequency distributions and their relation to environmental temperature, are globally influenced by behavioural and climatic factors. For all temperatures and climates, heliothermic species' body temperatures are consistently higher and more stable than in other species, but in regions with warmer climate these differences become less pronounced. A comparable variation was found in non‐heliotherms, but in not nocturnal species whose body temperatures were similar to air and substrate irrespective of the macroclimatic context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ancho (width) chile peppers have economic, social, culinary and cultural importance in Mexico and worldwide. This chile type considers divergent subtypes that altogether have not been analysed and therefore their morphological diversity has not been systematically described. The objectives were to describe the morphological diversity of ancho pepper landraces from Mexico, to identify groups of similarity and to define the traits with the higher contribution to the total variation. Eighty-six landraces of ancho chile peppers (red, 'mulatos', 'miahuatecos', 'cristalinos' and 'huacle'), collected in six states of Mexico, and two commercial controls were evaluated in two localities, in a simple randomized complete block experimental design. We recorded 76 morphological traits. Statistical analysis included a combined ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficient, discriminant analysis, principal components and clusters. The morphological diversity in ancho chile peppers was mainly made up of fruit width, fruit wall thickness, stem diameter, corolla length, seed weight per fruit, plant height, stem length and pubescence. We defined four groups, which made it possible to differentiate ancho chile peppers of Puebla and the huacle chile pepper of Oaxaca from populations collected in the north and 'Bajío' (midland) parts of Mexico. Ancho chile peppers of Mexico showed wide morphological differences according to the type of chile pepper and seed collection regions. The traits that contributed the greatest morphological diversity were fruit width, fruit wall thickness, stem diameter, corolla length, seed weight per fruit, plant height, stem length and pubescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirty accessions of cotton (Gossypium) in the INIFAP genebank in the Iguala Experimental Field were analyzed for resistance to eriophyid mites. Vegetative structures such as leaves and petioles and reproductive structures such as the bract calyx with galls were collected from cotton plants. Galls were cut into cross section to locate mites; taxonomic keys were used to identify the mites. Damage to accessions of cotton was evaluated on a scale of six classes. Damage by eriophyid mites was analyzed with PROC RANK, subjecting it to analysis of variance with PROC GLM, and mean comparison by Tukey (P = 0.05) using statistical software SAS® 9.2. Eriophyidae was reported associated with formation of galls in cotton. Severity of damage was 0 to 85%, but cotton accessions TOA-06, FZ-06, GOS-16, GOS-34, TOA-09, TOA-02, GOS-17, TOA-04, and TOA-05 were resistant. More studies of biology and ecology and molecular analysis are needed to better understand and develop management strategies against mites in cotton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The denominations of origin are industrial property rights that link the quality and reputation of a product to its geographical origin, considering human and natural factors. Given the urgency of overcoming rural poverty in southern Chile, this article aims to analyze the effectiveness of the appellation of origin as a tool for economic and cultural development in the Araucanía Region. Various methods are used in the investigation, such as legalcomparative, legal-doctrinal and legal content analysis; Within the research techniques, the analysis of documents, in-depth personal interviews with experts and questionnaires to rural representatives of the southern part of the country were contemplated. It is concluded that the denominations have great potential to promote rural development and favor the trapped territories of central-southern Chile, both directly, through the trade of products and favoring the productive chain, as well as indirectly, through the promotion of local culture and traditional knowledge; although to date no concrete benefits have been observed in the territories of the earliest established geographical indications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article depicts different projects related to sound art, the city and the use of contemporary technologies. The results first point out well-known works that serve as antecedents to the subsequent projects, showing the traditional meeting of this genre with technology. Afterwards, the core projects of the text are addressed, ranging from the Internet and other in forma tion and communication technologies, to geographic information systems, apps, vVirtual reality, artifi cial intelligence, Big Data and the Internet of Things. The text demonstrates that these technologies offer important possibilities to the sound art, the city and citizens, and that this genre continues to benefit from tech nological innovations. The text also demonstrates that certain themes and praxis such as maps, cartographies, audioguides, city concerts and the city as an instrument, continue to reach new levels of depth today directly and indirectly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Menstrual blood-derived stromal cells (MenSCs) are emerging as a strong candidate for cell-based therapies due to their immunomodulatory properties. However, their direct impact on innate immune populations remains elusive. Since macrophages play a key role in the onset and development of inflammation, understanding MenSCs implication in the functional properties of these cells is required to refine their clinical effects during the treatment of inflammatory disorders. In this study, we assessed the effects that MenSCs had on the recruitment of macrophages and other innate immune cells in two mouse models of acute inflammation, a thioglycollate (TGC)-elicited peritonitis model and a monobacterial sepsis model. We found that, in the TGC model, MenSCs injection reduced the percentage of macrophages recruited to the peritoneum and promoted the generation of peritoneal immune cell aggregates. In the sepsis model, MenSCs exacerbated infection by diminishing the recruitment of macrophages and neutrophils to the site of infection and inducing defective bacterial clearance. Additional in vitro studies confirmed that co-culture with MenSCs impaired macrophage bactericidal properties, affecting bacterial killing and the production of reactive oxygen intermediates. Our findings suggest that MenSCs modulate the macrophage population and that this modulation must be taken into consideration when it comes to future clinical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is affected by severe diseases such as blight and spotting of the calyx (MCJ). The objective was to study the relationships between seasonal fluctuation of Corynespora and Coniella spores, pathogenic stains and blight of chalices and leaves, weather conditions and severity (MCJ) in Ayutla, Gro. Mexico. The spores were monitored, in two cycles, the fungi were isolated and the morphological and molecular identification of Coniella was performed, the study focused on pathogens reported in Mexico. The pathogenicity tests with C. diplodiella and C. cassiicola confirmed very similar symptoms between both fungi. Coniella was the most abundant (48%) and with least amount Corynespora (8.7%). The spore dynamics had a monthly and weather related fluctuation. The population dynamics of spores was closely related to the climate. The maximum and average temperatures (°C) and average global radiation (W/m²) showed significant positive correlations with the abundance of Coniella spores and the total spores, while precipitation (mm), minimum temperature, wind speed maximum (Km hr-1) and hours of solar radiation, their relations were negative with the fluctuations of Corynespora spores. The severity of leaf and calyx staining was positively and significantly correlated with the number of spores captured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

'Ancho' type chilis (Capsicum annuum L. var. annuum) are an important ingredient in the traditional cuisine of Mexico and so are in high demand. It includes six native sub-types with morphological and fruit color differences. However, the genetic diversity of the set of these subtypes has not been determined. The objective of this study was to characterize the genetic diversity of native Mexican ancho chili populations using microsatellites and to determine the relationship among these populations. Twenty-four microsatellite loci were used to analyze 38 native populations of 'Ancho' chilis collected in seven states of Mexico; three populations different from the ancho type ('Piquin', 'Guajillo', and 'Chilaca') and three hybrids (Capulin, Abedul, and green pepper) were included as controls. The number of alleles per locus, number and percentage of polymorphic loci, polymorphic information content (PIC), expected heterozygosity, and Wright F statistics were obtained. Moreover, an analysis of principal components and a cluster analysis were carried out. We detected 220 alleles, with an average of 9.2 alleles per locus; PIC varied between 0.07 and 1, and expected heterozygosity was between 0.36 and 0.59. Also we identified 59 unique alleles and eight alleles common to all of the populations. The F statistics revealed broad genetic differentiation among populations. Both the analysis of principal components and the cluster analysis were able to separate the populations by origin (southern, central, and northern Mexico). The broad genetic diversity detected in the native ancho chili populations of Mexico was found in greater proportion within the populations than between populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermal quality of diurnal refuges is important to the performance and survival of nocturnal reptiles. We studied refuge use on both slopes of an east-west-oriented hill by the thigmothermic gecko Hornonota darwini, the southernmost-distributed nocturnal lizard in the world, in the vicinity of Bariloche, Rio Negro, in the Patagonia of Argentina. Because of the harsh climatic conditions in Patagonia, suitable refuges are limited, and retreat-site use is important for these geckos. Honionota darwini used refuges significantly more frequently on the warmer western slope in our study site. Geckos on the western slope used those refuges with higher temperatures regardless of size and thickness of rocks that acted as retreats. We tested whether refuge temperature affected locomotor performance of these lizards. Performance experiments showed that maximum sprint speed was affected by the temperature of the refuges. Refuges at 22.5°C allowed lizards to achieve their fastest sprint performance. Unexpectedly, sprint performance of lizards that used refuges with temperatures >32°C was the lowest among all tested refuge temperatures (18°, 22.5°, 27.5°, and 33°C). Our data illustrate the importance of the thermal quality of refuges for reptiles living in extreme environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Applying the knowledge-based theory to the context of very young firms (new ventures) this study examines whether and how the knowledge characteristics of regional clusters influence the development of capabilities and performance of new ventures. Specifically, we focus on a crucial capability for new ventures to benefit from external knowledge and harness it for advantage: absorptive capacity. Using a sample of 140 new ventures located in 7 distinct regional clusters in Spain, we find that both, the intensity of knowledge sharing among clients and suppliers, and the social structure of regional clusters encourage new ventures to develop their absorptive capacity differently, having consequences for the balance between its potential and realised dimensions. Further, the results support the important role of absorptive capacity in mediating the effects of the knowledge environment (cluster characteristics) on new ventures' performance. Implications for building new ventures' absorptive capacity and cultivating knowledge from clusters are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The guacimo (Guazuma ulmifolia Lam.) is a tree used for several purposes in agroforestry. However, phytophagous mites have great impact on guacimo, creating leaf galls. The objective of this study was to taxonomically identify mites found in galls of G. ulmifolia at the Tepalcingo community, Morelos, Mexico. Random samples of malformed leaves and galls were collected during field trips, and taxonomic keys were used to identify the mites. Subsequently, the galls were dissected, and identity of the samples was determined with the aid of a stereoscope. The phytophagous mites belonged to the Eriophyidae family and are an invasive pest of guacimo trees. Future studies should focus on finding effective biological control agents and using molecular techniques for more accurate identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Are the alterations observed in the endometriotic cells, such as progesterone resistance, already present in the eutopic endometrium or acquired in the ectopic location? The response to decidualization with progesterone and cyclic AMP for up to 28 days was compared in different endometrial stromal cell (EnSC) lines established from samples of endometriomas (eEnSC), eutopic endometrium from women with endometriosis (eBEnSC), endometrial tissue from healthy women (BEnSC) and menstrual blood from healthy donors (mEnSC). Usual features of decidualized cells, such as changes in cell morphology and expression of prolactin, were similarly observed in the three types of eutopic EnSC studied, but not in the ectopic cells upon decidualization. Among the phenotypic markers analysed, CD105 was down-regulated under decidualization in all cell types (mEnSC, P = 0.005; BEnSC, P = 0.029; eBEnSC, P = 0.022) except eEnSC. mEnSC and BEnSC underwent apoptosis during decidualization, whereas eBEnSC and eEnSC were resistant to the induction of cell death. Lastly, migration studies revealed that mEnSC secreted undetermined factors during decidualization that inhibited cell motility, whereas eEnSC showed a significantly lower ability to produce those migration-regulating factors (P < 0.0001, P < 0.001 and P = 0.0013 for the migration of mEnSC at 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively; P < 0.0001 for the migration of eEnSC at all times studied). This study provides novel insights into the differences between endometriotic and eutopic endometrial cells and reinforces the idea that the microenvironment in the ectopic location plays additional roles in the acquisition of the alterations that characterize the cells of the endometriotic foci. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on new species and name changes, and added 120 species records to the Reptile Database which stands now at 11,690 species and 2,198 subspecies (compared to 11,570 species and 2,200 subspecies in May, excluding nominate subspecies).

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants have developed or adapted over time efficient defense mechanisms against insect attack. Because the mechanisms often fail to be effective enough, alternatives are needed to help counteract attacks by pests. Sodium menadione bisulfite (MBS), a compound derived from vitamin K3, possesses insecticidal properties. In this work, bioassays were done to verify insecticidal effect of MBS on Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc) and Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius). MBS killed more than 80 and 60% of the insects evaluated, with LC50 of 54.79 and 521.72 ppm, respectively. MBS also deformed B. cockerelli adults hatched from nymphs exposed to concentrations of MBS tested under in vitro conditions. Therefore, menadione can be considered an alternative for integrated management of B. cockerelli and B. tabaci. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are a focus within regenerative medicine. However, 2D cultivation of MSCs for extended periods results in abnormal cell polarity, chromosomal changes, reduction in viability, and altered differentiation potential. As an alternative, various 3D hydrogels have been developed which mimic the endogenous niche of MSCs. Nevertheless, imaging cells embedded within 3D hydrogels often suffers from low signal-to-noise ratios which can be at least partly attributed to the high light absorbance and light scattering of the hydrogels in the visible light spectrum. In this study, human adipose tissue-derived MSCs (ADSCs) are cultivated within an anionic nanofibrillar cellulose (aNFC) hydrogel. It is demonstrated that aNFC forms nanofibres arranged as a porous network with low light absorbance in the visible spectrum. Moreover, it is shown that aNFC is cytocompatible, allowing for MSC proliferation, maintaining cell viability and multilineage differentiation potential. Finally, aNFC is compatible with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy including the application of conventional dyes, fluorescent probes, indirect immunocytochemistry, and calcium imaging. Overall, the results indicate that aNFC represents a promising 3D material for the expansion of MSCs whilst allowing detailed examination of cell morphology and cellular behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Neonatal hypermagnesemia (more than 3 mg/ dL) is rare and is usually asymptomatic. It usually manifests as hypotonia, muscle weakness, hypotension, pauses and arrhythmias. Clinical case: Newborn prematurely with neonatal poisoning by oral laxative with magnesium salts, due to dosing error. She presented severe abdominal distension, oral intolerance and decay. The treatment was intravenous fluids, calcium intake and diuretics. Apparently this is the first case of oral laxative poisoning with magnesium salts in neonates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Species of Schellackia Reichenow, 1919 have been described from the blood of reptiles distributed worldwide. Recently, Schellackia spp. detected in European and Asian lizards have been molecularly characterised. However, parasites detected in American lizard hosts remain uncharacterised. Thus, phylogenetic affinities between the Old and New World parasite species are unknown. Methods: In the present study, we characterised morphologically and molecularly the hemococcidian parasites (sporozoites) that infect three lizard hosts from North America and two from South America. Results: In total, we generated 12 new 18S rRNA gene sequences of hemococcidian parasites infecting New World lizard hosts. By the microscopic examination of the smears we identified Schellackia golvani Rogier & Landau, 1975 (ex Anolis carolinensis Voigt) and Schellackia occidentalis Bonorris & Ball, 1955 (ex Uta stansburiana Baird & Girard and Sceloporus occidentalis Baird & Girard) in some samples, but the phylogenetic analysis indicated that all 18S rDNA sequences are distant from Schellackia species found in Old World lizards. In fact, the hemococcidian parasites detected in the New World lizards (including S. occidentalis and S. golvani) were closely related to the genus Lankesterella Labbé, 1899. Consequently, we suggest these two species to be included within the genus Lankesterella. Conclusions: Life history traits of hemococcidian parasites such as the type of host blood cells infected, host species or number of refractile bodies are not valid diagnostic characteristics to differentiate the parasites between the genera Schellackia and Lankesterella. Indeed, lankesterellid parasites with a different number of refractile bodies had a close phylogenetic origin. Based on the phylogenetic results we provide a systematic revision of the North American hemococcidians. Our recommendation is to include the species formerly described in the genus Schellackia that infect American lizards into Lankesterella (Lankesterellidae) as Lankesterella golvani (Rogier & Landau, 1975) n. comb and L. occidentalis (Bonorris & Ball, 1955) n. comb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Abiotic stress produces changes in the metabolome of purslane. • Adverse salinity conditions lead to a higher concentration of functional metabolites. • Low fertilization levels in field or hydroponics stimulate the production of nutraceutical compounds in purslane. • Metabolomics techniques based on 1H NMR have helped to elucidate the metabolome of purslane under stress growth conditions. Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) is an herbaceous plant consumed in Italy, the United Kingdom, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Malaysia, the Philippines, China, North Africa, Australia, the United States, Brazil, and Mexico. Purslane contains nutraceutical compounds that can be potentiated based on biotic and abiotic stress practices. It provides substantial contributions of minerals, polysaccharides, fatty acids, proteins, alkaloids, terpenoids, sterols, phenols, flavonoids, and vitamins, which together or individually provide neuroprotective, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiulcerogenic, anticancer, and anticholinesterase properties. The preference for foods with high nutraceutical value, which provide benefits to human health and contribute to the prevention of diseases, mainly chronic-degenerative diseases, is increasing. In this review, the information regarding the effects of crop management on the chemical composition, medicinal effects, and new functional compounds with techniques based on metabolomics is updated. Under adverse edaphoclimatic conditions, an increase in nutraceutical compounds has been observed, which represents a production alternative given its nutritional and commercial value. Metabolomics techniques based on 1H NMR have helped elucidate the metabolome of purslane under specific growth conditions (stress, hydroponics, open field, and controlled), with reports of new compounds from the groups of lignans, flavonoids, homoisoflavonoids, homoisoflavones, amide glycosides, alkaloids, amide and isoindole alkaloids, and phenolic alkaloids such as oleraceins; this has broadened the potential food and medicinal panorama of this plant. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metallothioneins (MTs) constitute a heterogeneous family of ubiquitous metal ion-binding proteins. In plants, MTs participate in the regulation of cell growth and proliferation, protection against heavy metal stress, oxidative stress responses, and responses to pathogen attack. Despite their wide variety of functions, the role of MTs in symbiotic associations, specifically nodule-fabacean symbiosis, is poorly understood. Here, we analyzed the role of the PvMT1A gene in Phaseolus vulgaris-Rhizobium tropici symbiosis using bioinformatics and reverse genetics approaches. Using in silico analysis, we identified six genes encoding MTs in P. vulgaris, which were clustered into three of the four classes described in plants. PvMT1A transcript levels were significantly higher in roots inoculated with R. tropici at 7 and 30 days post inoculation (dpi) than in non-inoculated roots. Functional analysis showed that downregulating PvMT1A by RNA interference (RNAi) reduced the number of infection events at 7 and 10 dpi and the number of nodules at 14 and 21 dpi. In addition, nodule development was negatively affected in PvMT1A:RNAi transgenic roots, and these nodules displayed a reduced nitrogen fixation rate at 21 dpi. These results strongly suggest that PvMT1A plays an important role in the infection process and nodule development in P. vulgaris during rhizobial symbiosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our knowledge of the conservation status of reptiles, the most diverse class of terrestrial vertebrates, has improved dramatically over the past decade, but still lags behind that of the other tetrapod groups. Here, we conduct the first comprehensive evaluation (~92% of the world's ~1714 described species) of the conservation status of skinks (Scincidae), a speciose reptile family with a worldwide distribution. Using International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) criteria, we report that ~20% of species are threatened with extinction, and nine species are Extinct or Extinct in the Wild. The highest levels of threat are evident in Madagascar and the Neotropics, and in the subfamilies Mabuyinae, Eugongylinae and Scincinae. The vast majority of threatened skink species were listed based primarily on their small geographic ranges (Criterion B, 83%; Criterion D2, 13%). Although the population trend of 42% of species was stable, 14% have declining populations. The key threats to skinks are habitat loss due to agriculture, invasive species, and biological resource use (e.g., hunting, timber harvesting). The distributions of 61% of species do not overlap with protected areas. Despite our improved knowledge of the conservation status of the world's skinks, 8% of species remain to be assessed, and 14% are listed as Data Deficient. The conservation status of almost a quarter of the world's skink species thus remains unknown. We use our updated knowledge of the conservation status of the group to develop and outline the priorities for the conservation assessment and management of the world's skink species. • 20% of skink species are threatened with extinction, and nine species are extinct. • Key threats to skinks are agriculture, invasive species and biological resource use. • Most species listed under IUCN Red List Criterion B • Taxonomic and geographic biases in extinction risk are evident in skinks. • 8% of skink species remain unassessed, and 14% are listed as Data Deficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copolymers of l-lactide and poly(propylene glycol) diglycidyl ether (PPGDGE380) were synthesized by ring opening polymerization (ROP). Stannous octoate was used as the catalyst and 1-dodecanol as the initiator. The effect of the variables on the thermal properties of the copolymers was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Contact angle measurements were made in order to study the wettability of the synthesized copolymers. The copolymers differed widely in their physical characteristics, ranging from weak elastomers to tougher thermoplastics, according to the ratio of l-lactide and PPGDGE380. The results showed that the copolymers were more hydrophilic than neat Poly(lactide) (PLA) and the monomer ratio had a strong influence on the hydrophilic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]