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1.
Microb Cell Fact ; 23(1): 69, 2024 Feb 28.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38419048

RESUMEN

We are interested in converting second generation feedstocks into styrene, a valuable chemical compound, using the solvent-tolerant Pseudomonas putida DOT-T1E as a chassis. Styrene biosynthesis takes place from L-phenylalanine in two steps: firstly, L-phenylalanine is converted into trans-cinnamic acid (tCA) by PAL enzymes and secondly, a decarboxylase yields styrene. This study focuses on designing and synthesizing a functional trans-cinnamic acid decarboxylase in Pseudomonas putida. To achieve this, we utilized the "wholesale" method, involving deriving two consensus sequences from multi-alignments of homologous yeast ferulate decarboxylase FDC1 sequences with > 60% and > 50% identity, respectively. These consensus sequences were used to design Pseudomonas codon-optimized genes named psc1 and psd1 and assays were conducted to test the activity in P. putida. Our results show that the PSC1 enzyme effectively decarboxylates tCA into styrene, whilst the PSD1 enzyme does not. The optimal conditions for the PSC1 enzyme, including pH and temperature were determined. The L-phenylalanine DOT-T1E derivative Pseudomonas putida CM12-5 that overproduces L-phenylalanine was used as the host for expression of pal/psc1 genes to efficiently convert L-phenylalanine into tCA, and the aromatic carboxylic acid into styrene. The highest styrene production was achieved when the pal and psc1 genes were co-expressed as an operon in P. putida CM12-5. This construction yielded styrene production exceeding 220 mg L-1. This study serves as a successful demonstration of our strategy to tailor functional enzymes for novel host organisms, thereby broadening their metabolic capabilities. This breakthrough opens the doors to the synthesis of aromatic hydrocarbons using Pseudomonas putida as a versatile biofactory.


Asunto(s)
Carboxiliasas , Cinamatos , Pseudomonas putida , Estireno/metabolismo , Pseudomonas/genética , Pseudomonas/metabolismo , Carboxiliasas/genética , Carboxiliasas/metabolismo , Pseudomonas putida/metabolismo , Fenilalanina/metabolismo
2.
Am J Bot ; 111(4): e16309, 2024 04.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38584339

RESUMEN

PREMISE: Barriers at different reproductive stages contribute to reproductive isolation. Self-incompatibility (SI) systems that prevent self-pollination could also act to control interspecific pollination and contribute to reproductive isolation, preventing hybridization. Here we evaluated whether SI contributes to reproductive isolation among four co-occurring Opuntia species that flower at similar times and may hybridize with each other. METHODS: We assessed whether Opuntia cantabrigiensis, O. robusta, O. streptacantha, and O. tomentosa, were self-compatible and formed hybrid seeds in five manipulation treatments to achieve self-pollination, intraspecific cross-pollination, open pollination (control), interspecific crosses or apomixis, then recorded flowering phenology and synchrony. RESULTS: All species flowered in the spring with a degree of synchrony, so that two pairs of species were predisposed to interspecific pollination (O. cantabrigiensis with O. robusta, O. streptacantha with O. tomentosa). All species had distinct reproductive systems: Opuntia cantabrigiensis is self-incompatible and did not produce hybrid seeds as an interspecific pollen recipient; O. robusta is a dioecious species, which formed a low proportion of hybrid seeds; O. streptacantha and O. tomentosa are self-compatible and produced hybrid seeds. CONCLUSIONS: Opuntia cantabrigiensis had a strong pollen-pistil barrier, likely due to its self-incompatibility. Opuntia robusta, the dioecious species, is an obligate outcrosser and probably partially lost its ability to prevent interspecific pollen germination. Given that the self-compatible species can set hybrid seeds, we conclude that pollen-pistil interaction and high flowering synchrony represent weak barriers; whether reproductive isolation occurs later in their life cycle (e.g., germination or seedling survival) needs to be determined.


Asunto(s)
Flores , Hibridación Genética , Opuntia , Polinización , Aislamiento Reproductivo , Semillas , Autoincompatibilidad en las Plantas con Flores , Simpatría , Autoincompatibilidad en las Plantas con Flores/fisiología , Flores/fisiología , Semillas/fisiología , Opuntia/fisiología , Reproducción , Polen/fisiología , Especificidad de la Especie , Apomixis/fisiología
3.
Microb Cell Fact ; 22(1): 22, 2023 Feb 02.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36732770

RESUMEN

Pseudomonas putida DOT-T1E is a highly solvent tolerant strain for which many genetic tools have been developed. The strain represents a promising candidate host for the synthesis of aromatic compounds-opening a path towards a green alternative to petrol-derived chemicals. We have engineered this strain to produce phenylalanine, which can then be used as a raw material for the synthesis of styrene via trans-cinnamic acid. To understand the response of this strain to the bioproducts of interest, we have analyzed the in-depth physiological and genetic response of the strain to these compounds. We found that in response to the exposure to the toxic compounds that the strain can produce, the cell launches a multifactorial response to enhance membrane impermeabilization. This process occurs via the activation of a cis to trans isomerase that converts cis unsaturated fatty acids to their corresponding trans isomers. In addition, the bacterial cells initiate a stress response program that involves the synthesis of a number of chaperones and ROS removing enzymes, such as peroxidases and superoxide dismutases. The strain also responds by enhancing the metabolism of glucose through the specific induction of the glucose phosphorylative pathway, Entner-Doudoroff enzymes, Krebs cycle enzymes and Nuo. In step with these changes, the cells induce two efflux pumps to extrude the toxic chemicals. Through analyzing a wide collection of efflux pump mutants, we found that the most relevant pump is TtgGHI, which is controlled by the TtgV regulator.


Asunto(s)
Hidrocarburos Aromáticos , Pseudomonas putida , Pseudomonas putida/genética , Pseudomonas putida/metabolismo , Azúcares/metabolismo , Hidrocarburos Aromáticos/metabolismo , Solventes/metabolismo , Glucosa/metabolismo
4.
Naturwissenschaften ; 109(6): 57, 2022 Nov 07.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36342544

RESUMEN

Burrow builders are often classified as ecosystem engineers because their digging activities regulate the availability of resources for other organisms. As antlion larvae prefer to construct their traps in bare sandy or loose soil, they could benefit from burrowing activities. We investigated the role of burrow builders as ecosystem engineers for antlions (Myrmeleontidae) in a tropical semideciduous forest in Mexico. The number of traps of antlion larvae was recorded on 30 sampling quadrats (45 cm) at the entrance of burrows (of unidentified builders) and on 30 paired off-burrow quadrats. Additionally, the percentage of bare soil was estimated for the 60 quadrats sampled. Of the 30 quadrats at the entrance of burrows, a total of 336 traps were recorded, with 21 (70%) of them having at least one trap, while for the 30 off-burrows quadrats, only two (6.6%) of them had traps, just three in total. The percentage of bare soil and the abundance of traps were significantly greater in quadrats at the entrance of burrows compared to quadrats without burrows. The abundance of traps at the entrance of burrows was positively affected by the percentage of bare soil. The few traps in the off-burrows quadrats suggested that, in addition to the limited bare soil, ground compactness probably limits the establishment of antlion larvae. Otherwise, when digging, burrow builders create small patches of bare sandy soils that are used by these insects. We concluded that the ecosystem engineering effect of burrow builders is an important structuring element for antlion populations in the tropical semideciduous forest studied.


Asunto(s)
Ecosistema , Bosques , Animales , Insectos , Suelo , Larva/fisiología
5.
Aten Primaria ; 54 Suppl 1: 102471, 2022 10.
Artículo en Español | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36435585

RESUMEN

In the 2022 PAPPS update we present those specific preventive activities for women's health, except those related to cancer prevention (which are included in another document) and those aspects related to differential gender morbidity, a cross-cutting aspect for all working groups. Contraception is an essential preventive activity, considering basic the right to decide both the number of children and the time to have them. We must inform about the possible contraceptive methods, guaranteeing the monitoring of their safety, efficacy and effectiveness (tables are included on changing from one method to another to preserve contraceptive protection). We must inform about emergency contraception and propose it in the event of unprotected intercourse. All this will be done through opportunistic screening without requiring screening for thrombophilia or dyslipidemia, but for arterial hypertension. Pregnancy is an important life experience and the family doctor should not remain oblivious. We must be competent both in the preconception consultation (recommending the intake of folic acid, avoiding exposure to occupational and environmental risks, screening for certain pathologies and assessing the intake of drugs not indicated during pregnancy) and in the monitoring of pregnancy. Whether or not we monitor the pregnancy, we must not disregard its control, taking advantage of this period to promote healthy lifestyles and participating in the intercurrent processes that may occur. Menopause in general and osteoporosis in particular exemplify the strategy of medicalization of vital processes that has been followed from different instances and organizations. In our update we address the prevention and treatment of symptoms secondary to estrogen deprivation. We also propose the prevention of osteoporosis, including carrying out densitometry based on the risk of fracture in the next 10 years, and therefore densitometric screening is not recommended in women under 60 years of age. In risk assessment we recommend the use of the frax tool or better, the calibration of the risk of hip fracture with prevalence data from our setting. We linked the indication for treatment with the Z-Score (bone mineral density compared with women of the same age), as it is a condition associated with aging.


Asunto(s)
Fracturas de Cadera , Osteoporosis , Niño , Femenino , Humanos , Osteoporosis/tratamiento farmacológico , Densidad Ósea , Posmenopausia , Medición de Riesgo/métodos
6.
Int J Clin Pract ; 75(11): e14805, 2021 Nov.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34486779

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D has been widely promoted for bone health through supplementation and fortification of the general adult population. However, there is growing evidence that does not support these strategies. Our aim is to review the quality and recommendations on vitamin D nutritional and clinical practice guidelines and to explore predictive factors for their direction and strength. METHODS: We searched three databases and two guideline repositories from 2010 onwards. We performed a descriptive analysis, a quality appraisal using AGREE II scores (Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation) and a bivariate analysis evaluating the association between direction and strength of recommendations, AGREE II domains' scores and pre-specified characteristics. RESULTS: We included 34 guidelines, 44.1% recommended, 26.5% suggested and 29.4% did not recommend vitamin D supplementation. Guidelines that scored higher for "editorial independence" and "overall quality score" were less likely to recommend or suggest vitamin D supplementation (median 68.8 vs 35.4; P = .001 and 58.3 vs 37.5; P = .02). Guidance produced by government organisations and those that reported source of funding were associated with higher AGREE II scores. Unclear role of source of funding was associated with recommending or suggesting vitamin D supplementation (P = .034). Editorial independence was an independent predictor for recommending or suggesting vitamin D supplementation (OR 1.09; CI95% 1.02 to 1.16; P = .006). CONCLUSIONS: Policymakers, clinicians and patients should be aware that lower quality guidelines and those reporting conflicts of interest are more likely to promote vitamin D supplementation. Guideline organisations should improve the quality of their recommendations' development and the management of conflicts of interest. Users and editors should be aware of these findings when using and appraising guidelines.


Asunto(s)
Vitamina D , Vitaminas , Adulto , Bases de Datos Factuales , Humanos
7.
Aten Primaria ; 52 Suppl 2: 125-148, 2020 11.
Artículo en Español | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33388112

RESUMEN

A review is presented of the scientific evidence on preventive activities in women's care in relation to pregnancy follow-up, preventive activities in the planning and follow-up of contraceptive methods, preventive activities in menopause, and the prevention of osteoporotic fractures.


Asunto(s)
Anticoncepción , Salud de la Mujer , Femenino , Humanos , Embarazo
8.
Rev Gastroenterol Peru ; 40(1): 61-63, 2020.
Artículo en Español | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32369467

RESUMEN

Mucinous cystadenoma is usually found in the ovary, pancreas and appendix but its presentation in the intestine is extremely rare. In this case report we present an infant with partial intestinal occlusion due to a mucinous cystadenoma of the ileocecal valve. We performed an excision of the terminal ileum, ileocecal valve, cecum and appendix, followed by ileocolic anastomosis. The patient did well after the procedure and recovered uneventfully. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of this tumor in this location.


Asunto(s)
Cistoadenoma Mucinoso/diagnóstico , Neoplasias del Íleon/diagnóstico , Válvula Ileocecal , Cistoadenoma Mucinoso/patología , Cistoadenoma Mucinoso/cirugía , Humanos , Neoplasias del Íleon/patología , Neoplasias del Íleon/cirugía , Válvula Ileocecal/diagnóstico por imagen , Válvula Ileocecal/patología , Válvula Ileocecal/cirugía , Lactante , Masculino
9.
BMC Ophthalmol ; 19(1): 91, 2019 Apr 15.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30987639

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), the primary cause of blindness in children, is a potential complication for 7.7% of live births in Mexico. Given that less than one-third of all neonatal intensive care units follow Mexican National ROP guidelines, there have been few reports regarding the incidences of types 1 and 2 ROP. METHODS: This was a retrospective study that investigated the incidence and onset of ROP in a representative sample of children in Mexico. We analyzed the results obtained by the ROP Detection and Treatment Program, compliant with the Mexican National ROP guidelines, over a 1-year period. This study included 132 children who were born prematurely, were initially screened between October 2, 2017 and October 1, 2018, and underwent follow-up based on their risk group (in accordance with the Mexican National ROP guidelines). RESULTS: The mean gestational age (GA) at birth was 32 weeks and 3 days (32w3d) (95% CI, ± 3 days), and the mean birth weight (BW) was 1594 g (95% CI, ± 96 g). The clinical features were as follows: 36.4% had immature retina without ROP, 22.0% had mild ROP, 5.3% had type 2 ROP, 27.3% had type 1 ROP, and 1.5% had advanced disease. Premature children with ROP requiring treatment (i.e., type 1 ROP + advanced ROP) were born at an MGA of 30w4d (95% CI, ± 5d; range, 26-35 weeks); their MBW was 1316 g (95% CI, ± 110 g; range, 830-2220 g). Diagnosis of ROP requiring treatment was made at a mean postmenstrual age (PMA) of 37w3d (95% CI, ± 5d; range, 31w1d to 42w1d). CONCLUSION: In Mexico, screening and close ophthalmological follow-up of children who present with risk factors of birth weight < 1750 g and gestational age ≤ 34 weeks, both of which are observed more frequently in children with type 1 ROP, appears essential for implementing timely treatments (within 72 h). This is particularly important for children with PMA between 36 and 38 weeks, which is considered to be the peak age for disease stages that require timely intervention.


Asunto(s)
Tamizaje Neonatal/métodos , Retinopatía de la Prematuridad/epidemiología , Femenino , Estudios de Seguimiento , Edad Gestacional , Humanos , Incidencia , Recién Nacido , Masculino , México/epidemiología , Estudios Retrospectivos , Factores de Riesgo
10.
Naturwissenschaften ; 105(5-6): 36, 2018 May 12.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29754205

RESUMEN

Many animals use body coloration as a strategy to communicate with conspecifics, prey, and predators. Color is a trade-off for some species, since they should be visible to conspecifics but cryptic to predators and prey. Some flower-dwelling predators, such as crab spiders, are capable of choosing the color of flowers where they ambush flower visitors and pollinators. In order to avoid being captured, visitors evaluate flowers visually before landing. The crab spider Mecaphesa dubia is a polymorphic species (white/purple color morphs), which inhabits the flower heads of a dune plant, Palafoxia lindenii. Using full-spectrum photography of spiders and flowers, we evaluated how honeybees perceived the spiders at different distances. Using visual modeling, we obtained the chromatic and achromatic contrasts of the spiders on flower heads as perceived by honeybees. Purple morphs were found mainly on the receptacle area and white morphs were equally likely to be found in the flowers and receptacle. According to theoretical modeling, white morphs were visible to honeybees from a distance of 10 cm in receptacle area but appeared to be cryptic in the flower area. Purple morphs were cryptic on the receptacle and less so when they were on the flowers. Spiders on flower heads are predicted to be more easily detected by honeybees using chromatic contrast. Our study shows that the conspicuousness of flower dwelling spiders to honeybees depends on the color morph, the distance of observation, and the position of spider on the flower head.


Asunto(s)
Abejas/fisiología , Percepción de Color/fisiología , Modelos Biológicos , Pigmentación , Arañas/anatomía & histología , Animales , Conducta Predatoria , Arañas/fisiología
11.
Compr Psychiatry ; 87: 120-122, 2018 11.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30340017

RESUMEN

Women with schizophrenia have shown better social and clinical functioning than men in several previous studies. The aim of this study was to assess gender differences in social functioning of people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia who are in psychosocial rehabilitation treatment in Catalonia, using several different one-dimensional and multidimensional measures of clinical and social functioning. Gender differences were found only in several daily life activities, in which women showed better functioning: independence-competence (p = 0.006) and independence-performance (p = 0.017). No other differences between genders were observed. Our results clearly suggest that women with schizophrenia undergoing the rehabilitation process could benefit as do men from psychosocial intervention in order to improve social skills and functioning.


Asunto(s)
Rehabilitación Psiquiátrica/estadística & datos numéricos , Esquizofrenia/rehabilitación , Psicología del Esquizofrénico , Factores Sexuales , Ajuste Social , Adulto , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Adulto Joven
12.
Aten Primaria ; 50(8): 500-508, 2018 10.
Artículo en Español | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29609871

RESUMEN

Point-of-Care Ultrasound is a method of performing a rapid clinical ultrasound, with the aim of responding to a clinical question immediately. This is not an ultrasound performed systematically as the radiologists do, nor does it pretend to replace it. It is useful in some kind of screening (abdominal aortic aneurysm) and is of special interest in ultrasound-guided procedures (joint infiltration by injection). It allows to adapt the derivations, minimising the uncertainty, ruling out certain pathologies due to its high diagnostic precision. It can also lead to overdiagnosis, if the examinations carried out are not limited to the organs on which our clinical suspicion is based. Ultrasound is one tool more in the diagnostic process, but its use must be limited to certain clinical situations. Its use in early detection of prevalent diseases in Primary Care should be properly evaluated. On the other hand with more evidence of a high diagnostic accuracy in a large list of pathological conditions.


Asunto(s)
Sistemas de Atención de Punto , Atención Primaria de Salud/métodos , Ultrasonografía/métodos , Aneurisma de la Aorta/diagnóstico por imagen , Enfermedades Asintomáticas , Humanos , Uso Excesivo de los Servicios de Salud/prevención & control , Atención Primaria de Salud/normas , Factores de Riesgo , Ultrasonografía/normas
13.
Aten Primaria ; 50 Suppl 2: 30-38, 2018 11.
Artículo en Español | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30563623

RESUMEN

In 1994, the World Health Organisation established osteoporosis criteria based on bone mineral density (in terms of T-Score), granting a risk factor the category of disease. Given that it has a low positive predictive value of fractures when applied to low-risk populations, its use as a screening test is controversial because it favours overdiagnosis due to the false labelling of the disease it produces. In the coming years, the indication of densitometry will be made based on the absolute risk of fracture. This is the criterion adopted by the PAPPS (Programa de Actividades Preventivas y de Promoción de la Salud or Programme for Preventive Activities and the Promotion of Health), which proposes as part of its latest recommendations the use of the Z-score instead of the T-Score, as a densitometric evaluation criterion, in a clear effort to fight against overdiagnosis.


Asunto(s)
Densidad Ósea , Fracturas de Cadera/etiología , Uso Excesivo de los Servicios de Salud , Osteoporosis/diagnóstico , Fracturas de la Columna Vertebral/etiología , Factores de Edad , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Conservadores de la Densidad Ósea/uso terapéutico , Densitometría/normas , Femenino , Humanos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Osteoporosis/complicaciones , Osteoporosis/tratamiento farmacológico , Valor Predictivo de las Pruebas , Medición de Riesgo/métodos , Factores de Riesgo , Sensibilidad y Especificidad , España
14.
JAMA ; 318(22): 2211-2223, 2017 12 12.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29234807

RESUMEN

Importance: A deep learning system (DLS) is a machine learning technology with potential for screening diabetic retinopathy and related eye diseases. Objective: To evaluate the performance of a DLS in detecting referable diabetic retinopathy, vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy, possible glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in community and clinic-based multiethnic populations with diabetes. Design, Setting, and Participants: Diagnostic performance of a DLS for diabetic retinopathy and related eye diseases was evaluated using 494 661 retinal images. A DLS was trained for detecting diabetic retinopathy (using 76 370 images), possible glaucoma (125 189 images), and AMD (72 610 images), and performance of DLS was evaluated for detecting diabetic retinopathy (using 112 648 images), possible glaucoma (71 896 images), and AMD (35 948 images). Training of the DLS was completed in May 2016, and validation of the DLS was completed in May 2017 for detection of referable diabetic retinopathy (moderate nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy or worse) and vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy (severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy or worse) using a primary validation data set in the Singapore National Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Program and 10 multiethnic cohorts with diabetes. Exposures: Use of a deep learning system. Main Outcomes and Measures: Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and sensitivity and specificity of the DLS with professional graders (retinal specialists, general ophthalmologists, trained graders, or optometrists) as the reference standard. Results: In the primary validation dataset (n = 14 880 patients; 71 896 images; mean [SD] age, 60.2 [2.2] years; 54.6% men), the prevalence of referable diabetic retinopathy was 3.0%; vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy, 0.6%; possible glaucoma, 0.1%; and AMD, 2.5%. The AUC of the DLS for referable diabetic retinopathy was 0.936 (95% CI, 0.925-0.943), sensitivity was 90.5% (95% CI, 87.3%-93.0%), and specificity was 91.6% (95% CI, 91.0%-92.2%). For vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy, AUC was 0.958 (95% CI, 0.956-0.961), sensitivity was 100% (95% CI, 94.1%-100.0%), and specificity was 91.1% (95% CI, 90.7%-91.4%). For possible glaucoma, AUC was 0.942 (95% CI, 0.929-0.954), sensitivity was 96.4% (95% CI, 81.7%-99.9%), and specificity was 87.2% (95% CI, 86.8%-87.5%). For AMD, AUC was 0.931 (95% CI, 0.928-0.935), sensitivity was 93.2% (95% CI, 91.1%-99.8%), and specificity was 88.7% (95% CI, 88.3%-89.0%). For referable diabetic retinopathy in the 10 additional datasets, AUC range was 0.889 to 0.983 (n = 40 752 images). Conclusions and Relevance: In this evaluation of retinal images from multiethnic cohorts of patients with diabetes, the DLS had high sensitivity and specificity for identifying diabetic retinopathy and related eye diseases. Further research is necessary to evaluate the applicability of the DLS in health care settings and the utility of the DLS to improve vision outcomes.


Asunto(s)
Retinopatía Diabética/diagnóstico , Oftalmopatías/diagnóstico , Aprendizaje Automático , Retina/patología , Área Bajo la Curva , Conjuntos de Datos como Asunto , Diabetes Mellitus/etnología , Retinopatía Diabética/etnología , Oftalmopatías/etnología , Femenino , Glaucoma/diagnóstico , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Curva ROC , Retina/diagnóstico por imagen , Sensibilidad y Especificidad
15.
Naturwissenschaften ; 103(11-12): 96, 2016 Dec.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27866229

RESUMEN

Ant-gardens (AGs) are considered one of the most complex mutualist systems between ants and plants, since interactions involving dispersal, protection, and nutrition occur simultaneously in them; however, little is known about the effects of the transformation of ecosystems on their diversity and interactions. In five environments with different land use within an anthropic landscape in southeastern Mexico, we investigated the diversity and composition of epiphytes and host trees of AGs built by Azteca gnava. A total of 10,871 individuals of 26 epiphytic species, associating with 859 AGs located in 161 host trees, were recorded. The diversity and composition of epiphytes tended to be different between environments; however, Aechmea tillandsioides and Codonanthe uleana were the most important species and considered true AG epiphytes, because they were the most frequent, abundant, and occurred exclusively in AGs. Other important species were the orchids Epidendrum flexuosum, Coryanthes picturata, and Epidendrum pachyrachis, and should also be considered true AG epiphytes, because they occurred almost exclusively in the AGs. The AG abundance in agroforestry plantations was similar or even greater than in riparian vegetation (natural habitat). The AGs were registered in 37 host species but were more frequent in Mangifera indica and Citrus sinensis. We conclude that true epiphytes of A. gnava AGs persist in different environments and host trees, and even these AGs could proliferate in agroforestry plantations of anthropic landscapes.


Asunto(s)
Hormigas , Ambiente , Fenómenos Fisiológicos de las Plantas , Simbiosis , Árboles , Animales , Biodiversidad , México
16.
Compr Psychiatry ; 62: 93-9, 2015 Oct.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26343472

RESUMEN

Self-stigma specifically in people with schizophrenia has been little studied. The aims of the present study were to validate a new instrument for the assessment of self-stigma (SSQ) and to assess the relationship between self-stigma and social functioning in people with schizophrenia. A sample of 76 people with schizophrenia was assessed at two moments in time with the SSQ, the PDD (stigma), two scales of social functioning (LSP, SFS), and a scale of general functioning (GAF). The results indicated that SSQ presented good psychometric properties, with Cronbach's alpha ranging between 0.75 and 0.901. The stability of the instrument was between 0.836 and 0.402. Three factors were found in the factor analysis (social discrimination, perceived capabilities, concealment of the disease), explaining 62.66% of the total variance. A relationship was found between self-stigma and social functioning in people with schizophrenia, especially in relation to social contact. In conclusion, the SSQ seems to be a valid and reliable questionnaire for the assessment of self-stigma in people with schizophrenia, and interventions should be designed to cope with self-stigma in order to improve the social functioning of people who suffer schizophrenia.


Asunto(s)
Psicología del Esquizofrénico , Ajuste Social , Estigma Social , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Adaptación Psicológica , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Análisis Factorial , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Percepción , Psicometría , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Discriminación Social , Adulto Joven
17.
Clin Lab ; 61(7): 709-16, 2015.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26299069

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: The metabolic clearance of prolactin (PRL) is partially executed by the kidney. Here, we investigate the urine excretion of PRL in patients with Diabetes Mellitus and renal impairment. METHODS: Serum and urine samples were collected from male, mestizo patients in central Mexico employing a cross-sectional study design. Ninety-eight individuals had either no diabetes and normal renal function (control), diabetes and normal renal function, or diabetes with impaired renal function. PRL was determined by a chemiluminescent immunometric assay; protein, albumin, and creatinine were evaluated using quantitative colorimetric assays. The results were analyzed using ANOVA-testing. RESULTS: Patients with Diabetes Mellitus and renal impairment had significantly higher urine PRL levels than patients with Diabetes Mellitus and normal renal function and control patients. Higher urine PRL levels were associated with lower glomerular filtration rates, higher serum creatinine, and higher urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratios (UACR). Urine PRL levels correlated positively with UACR. Serum PRL levels were similar among groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with Diabetes Mellitus and impaired renal function demonstrate a high urinary PRL excretion. Urinary PRL excretion in the context of proteinuria could contribute to PRL dysregulation in renal impairment.


Asunto(s)
Nefropatías Diabéticas/diagnóstico , Riñón/metabolismo , Prolactina/orina , Eliminación Renal , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Albuminuria/diagnóstico , Albuminuria/fisiopatología , Albuminuria/orina , Biomarcadores/sangre , Biomarcadores/orina , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Creatinina/sangre , Creatinina/orina , Estudios Transversales , Nefropatías Diabéticas/etiología , Nefropatías Diabéticas/fisiopatología , Nefropatías Diabéticas/orina , Retinopatía Diabética/etiología , Retinopatía Diabética/fisiopatología , Retinopatía Diabética/orina , Tasa de Filtración Glomerular , Humanos , Riñón/fisiopatología , Masculino , México , Persona de Mediana Edad , Regulación hacia Arriba , Adulto Joven
19.
Ann Bot ; 113(6): 1047-55, 2014 May.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24651370

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Bromeliaceae is a species-rich neotropical plant family that uses a variety of pollinators, principally vertebrates. Tillandsia is the most diverse genus, and includes more than one-third of all bromeliad species. Within this genus, the majority of species rely on diurnal pollination by hummingbirds; however, the flowers of some Tillandsia species show some characteristics typical for pollination by nocturnal animals, particularly bats and moths. In this study an examination is made of the floral and reproductive biology of the epiphytic bromeliad Tillandsia macropetala in a fragment of humid montane forest in central Veracruz, Mexico. METHODS: The reproductive system of the species, duration of anthesis, production of nectar and floral scent, as well as diurnal and nocturnal floral visitors and their effectiveness in pollination were determined. KEY RESULTS: Tillandsia macropetala is a self-compatible species that achieves a higher fruit production through outcrossing. Nectar production is restricted to the night, and only nocturnal visits result in the development of fruits. The most frequent visitor (75 % of visits) and the only pollinator of this bromeliad (in 96 % of visits) was the nectarivorous bat Anoura geoffroyi (Phyllostomidae: Glossophaginae). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of chiropterophily within the genus Tillandsia. The results on the pollination biology of this bromeliad suggest an ongoing evolutionary switch from pollination by birds or moths to bats.


Asunto(s)
Quirópteros/fisiología , Polinización , Tillandsia/fisiología , Animales , Flores , Reproducción
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