Continuity and discontinuity in evolutionary processes with emphasis on plants.

The present work is aimed to review the concepts of continuity and discontinuity in the reproductive processes and their impact on the evolutionary outcome, emphasizing on the plant model. Let be stated that evolutionary changes need to pass down generation after generation through the cellular reproductive mechanisms, and these mechanisms can account for changes from single nucleotide to genome-wide mutations. Patterns of continuity and discontinuity in sexual and asexual species pose notorious differences as the involvement of the cellular genetic material from single or different individuals, the changes in the ploidy level, or the independence between nuclear and plastid genomes. One relevant aspect of the plant model is the open system for pollen donation, which can be driven from every male flower to every female flower in the neighborhood, as well as the facilitated seed dispersal patterns, that may break or restore the contact between populations. Three significative processes are distinguishable, syngenesis, anagenesis, and cladogenesis. The syngenesis refers to the reproduction between individuals, either if they pertain to the same species, from different populations or even from different species. The anagenesis refers to the pursuit of all the possible rearrangements of genes and alleles pooled in a population of individuals, and the cladogenesis represents the absence of reproduction that leads to differentiation. Recent developments on the genomic analysis of single cells, single chromosomes and fragments of homologous chromosomes could bring new insights into the processes of the evolution, in generational time and in a broad spectrum of spatial/geographic extents.

Phylogenomics and Biogeography of the Mammilloid Clade Revealed an Intricate Evolutionary History Arose in the Mexican Plateau.

Mexico harbors ~45% of world's cacti species richness. Their biogeography and phylogenomics were integrated to elucidate the evolutionary history of the genera Coryphantha, Escobaria, Mammillaria, Mammilloydia, Neolloydia, Ortegocactus, and Pelecyphora (Mammilloid Clade). We analyzed 52 orthologous loci from 142 complete genomes of chloroplast (103 taxa) to generate a cladogram and a chronogram; in the latter, the ancestral distribution was reconstructed with the Dispersal-Extinction-Cladogenesis model. The ancestor of these genera arose ~7 Mya on the Mexican Plateau, from which nine evolutionary lineages evolved. This region was the site of 52% of all the biogeographical processes. The lineages 2, 3 and 6 were responsible for the colonization of the arid southern territories. In the last 4 Mya, the Baja California Peninsula has been a region of prolific evolution, particularly for lineages 8 and 9. Dispersal was the most frequent process and vicariance had relevance in the isolation of cacti distributed in the south of Mexico. The 70 taxa sampled as Mammillaria were distributed in six distinct lineages; one of these presumably corresponded to this genus, which likely had its center of origin in the southern part of the Mexican Plateau. We recommend detailed studies to further determine the taxonomic circumscription of the seven genera.

Confidencialidad de datos en un hospital-escuela dedicado a la investigación / Data Confidentiality in a Hospital-School Dedicated to Research / Confidencialidade de dados em um hospital-escola dedicado à pesquisa

Resumen: La información clínica que deriva de la atención médica es almacenada en los expedientes clínicos que se encuentran en archivos físicos o electrónicos en las distintas instituciones hospitalarias que se dedican a la enseñanza. Esta valiosa información constituye una herramienta fundamental en la investigación clínica, por lo tanto, debe de ser considerada confidencial desde que el paciente la remite hasta después de finalizar su tratamiento. Cuando los miembros de un hospital-escuela realizan actividades de investigación, utilizan la información contenida en los expedientes clínicos. La confidencialidad de estos registros es protegida por la ley, por esta razón es necesario fundamentar y desarrollar un método que ayude a los investigadores a conocer estos datos clínicos sin violar su privacidad y confidencialidad. Es necesario cuestionarnos si un aviso de privacidad que indique a los pacientes que la información derivada de sus padecimientos puede utilizarse posteriormente para fines de investigación será suficiente para resolver los conflictos relacionados con la obtención de datos. Un aviso de privacidad es un documento legal que se utiliza para la protección de datos de las personas, aplicarlo en las instituciones hospitalarias dedicadas a la enseñanza y a la investigación facilitará el uso de la información derivada de las consultas y mantendrá la confianza de que los datos utilizados en la investigación respetarán, la confidencialidad y la privacidad, a través del anonimato.

Summary: Clinical information derived from medical care is registered in clinical records in physical or electronic files in different hospital institutions dedicated to teaching. This valuable information is a fundamental tool for clinical research; therefore, it should be considered confidential from the moment the patient transfers it, until after the end of their treatment. When members of a hospital-school carry out research activities, they use information contained in clinical records. Confidentiality of these records is protected by law, for this reason, it is necessary to underpin and develop a method to help researchers to learn this clinical data without violating privacy and confidentiality. It is necessary to question ourselves whether a privacy notice indicating patients that the information derived from their conditions may subsequently be used for research purposes will be enough to resolve disputes related to data collection; in this regard, a privacy notice is a legal document used for the protection of people's data; using it in teaching and research hospital institutions will facilitate the use of information derived from consultations and maintain confidence that the data used in research will respect, first and foremost, confidentiality and privacy, through anonymity.

Resumo: As informações clínicas derivadas dos cuidados médicos são armazenadas nos prontuários médicos encontrados em arquivos físicos ou eletrônicos de diversos hospitais que se dedicam ao ensino. Essas informações valiosas são uma ferramenta fundamental na pesquisa clínica, portanto, devem ser consideradas conidenciais desde o momento em que o paciente as envia até o final do tratamento. Quando os membros de um hospital-escola realizam atividades de pesquisa, eles usam as informações contidas nos registros médicos. A conidencialidade desses registros é protegida por lei, por isso é necessário fundamentar e desenvolver um método que ajude os pesquisadores a conhecer esses dados clínicos sem violar sua privacidade e confidencialidade. É necessário questionar se um aviso de privacidade que informe aos pacientes que as informações derivadas de suas condições podem ser usadas posteriormente para fins de pesquisa será suficiente para resolver disputas relacionadas à coleta de dados. Um aviso de privacidade é um documento legal usado para a proteção de dados de indivíduos. Aplicá-lo em hospitais envolvidos em ensino e pesquisa facilitará o uso de informações derivadas das consultas e manterá a coniança de que os dados usados na pesquisa respeitarão, em primeiro lugar, a conidencialidade e a privacidade, por meio do anonimato.

Effects of fuel change to electricity on PM2.5 local levels in the Bus Rapid Transit System of Bogota.

The TransMilenio (TM) is a transport system. Twenty-year-old TM is a fast, highly efficient, and self-sufficient mode of passenger transport. This work aims to evaluate the effects of changing current TM diesel buses by electricity-powered buses (battery, wire-based), on the PM2.5 concentrations at surface level. Emissions calculations considering combustions and resuspension of TM and Non-TM were performed. A CFD model was implemented to estimate current PM2.5 concentrations at the roadside level, and the CFD results were validated using the statistic parameters: MB, RMSE, r, and IOA. Results from the emission calculations indicate that TM buses (30-50%) are one of the main sources of primary PM2.5 in all the considered urban sites in this study. Non-exhaust emissions from most vehicle categories were also identified as an important source of primary PM2.5 (40% of total emissions). The CFD model reproduced closely the trends and levels of PM2.5 concentrations measured at the roadside level in all the locations. Replacing TM diesel vehicles with electric vehicles reduces PM2.5 concentrations between 10 and 30% according to the CFD results obtained. Higher reductions can be achieved if policies are adopted to control other types of vehicles and non-exhaust emissions since they have a contribution of about 60%. Finally, this study shows that the combined use of emission calculations and advanced near-road dispersion models are useful tools to study and manage air quality in large cities.

Native trees of Mexico: diversity, distribution, uses and conservation.

BACKGROUND: Mexico is one of the most floristically rich countries in the world. Despite significant contributions made on the understanding of its unique flora, the knowledge on its diversity, geographic distribution and human uses, is still largely fragmented. Unfortunately, deforestation is heavily impacting this country and native tree species are under threat. The loss of trees has a direct impact on vital ecosystem services, affecting the natural capital of Mexico and people's livelihoods. Given the importance of trees in Mexico for many aspects of human well-being, it is critical to have a more complete understanding of their diversity, distribution, traditional uses and conservation status. We aimed to produce the most comprehensive database and catalogue on native trees of Mexico by filling those gaps, to support their in situ and ex situ conservation, promote their sustainable use, and inform reforestation and livelihoods programmes. METHODS: A database with all the tree species reported for Mexico was prepared by compiling information from herbaria and reviewing the available floras. Species names were reconciled and various specialised sources were used to extract additional species information, i.e. endemic status, threat status, availability in seed collections, reports on plant uses and conservation actions currently in place. With this information, a comprehensive catalogue of native trees from Mexico was redacted. Available georeferenced records were used to map each species distribution and perform spatial analyses to identify gaps of information and priority areas for their conservation and exploration. RESULTS: Mexico has at least 2,885 native tree species, belonging to 612 genera and 128 families. Fabaceae is the most represented family and Quercus the most represented genus. Approximately 44% of tree species are endemic to the country. The southern part of the country showed the highest values of species richness. Six hundred and seventy-four species have at least one documented human use. In terms of conservation assessment, ca. 33% of species have been assessed by either the IUCN Red List (919) or the National protection catalogue "NORMA Oficial Mexicana NOM-059" (29) or both (45). Additionally, 98 species have been included in the CITES listing for protection. In terms of existing conservation efforts, 19% of species have ex situ protection in seed banks, while protected areas overlap with all the identified peaks of species richness, except for those in the states of Veracruz and Chiapas. This work constitutes a key milestone for the knowledge, management, and conservation of the Mexican native trees. The two areas with high density of tree species identified in Veracruz and Chiapas represent two priority areas for tree conservation in Mexico, where integrated in situ and ex situ conservation efforts should be focused.

Identification of High Molecular Variation Loci in Complete Chloroplast Genomes of Mammillaria (Cactaceae, Caryophyllales).

In plants, partial DNA sequences of chloroplasts have been widely used in evolutionary studies. However, the Cactaceae family (1500-1800 species) lacks molecular markers that allow a phylogenetic resolution between species and genera. In order to identify sequences with high variation levels, we compared previously reported complete chloroplast genomes of seven species of Mammillaria. We identified repeated sequences (RSs) and two types of DNA variation: short sequence repeats (SSRs) and divergent homologous loci. The species with the highest number of RSs was M. solisioides (256), whereas M. pectinifera contained the highest amount of SSRs (84). In contrast, M. zephyranthoides contained the lowest number (35) of both RSs and SSRs. In addition, five of the SSRs were found in the seven species, but only three of them showed variation. A total of 180 homologous loci were identified among the seven species. Out of these, 20 loci showed a molecular variation of 5% to 31%, and 12 had a length within the range of 150 to 1000 bp. We conclude that the high levels of variation at the reported loci represent valuable knowledge that may help to resolve phylogenetic relationships and that may potentially be convenient as molecular markers for population genetics and phylogeographic studies.

De Novo Assembly Discovered Novel Structures in Genome of Plastids and Revealed Divergent Inverted Repeats in Mammillaria (Cactaceae, Caryophyllales).

The complete sequence of chloroplast genome (cpDNA) has been documented for single large columnar species of Cactaceae, lacking inverted repeats (IRs). We sequenced cpDNA for seven species of the short-globose cacti of Mammillaria and de novo assembly revealed three novel structures in land plants. These structures have a large single copy (LSC) that is 2.5 to 10 times larger than the small single copy (SSC), and two IRs that contain strong differences in length and gene composition. Structure 1 is distinguished by short IRs of <1 kb composed by rpl23-trnI-CAU-ycf2; with a total length of 110,189 bp and 113 genes. In structure 2, each IR is approximately 7.2 kb and is composed of 11 genes and one Intergenic Spacer-(psbK-trnQ)-trnQ-UUG-rps16-trnK-UUU-matK-trnK-UUU-psbA-trnH-GUG-rpl2-rpl23-trnI-CAU-ycf2; with a total size of 116,175 bp and 120 genes. Structure 3 has divergent IRs of approximately 14.1 kb, where IRA is composed of 20 genes: psbA-trnH-GUG-rpl23-trnI-CAU-ycf2-ndhB-rps7-rps12-trnV-GAC-rrn16-ycf68-trnI-GAU-trnA-AGC-rrn23-rrn4.5-rrn5-trnR-ACG-trnN-GUU-ndhF-rpl32; and IRB is identical to the IRA, but lacks rpl23. This structure has 131 genes and, by pseudogenization, it is shown to have the shortest cpDNA, of just 107,343 bp. Our findings show that Mammillaria bears an unusual structural diversity of cpDNA, which supports the elucidation of the evolutionary processes involved in cacti lineages.

Agroforestry systems of the lowland alluvial valleys of the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve: an evaluation of their biocultural capacity.

BACKGROUND: Agroforestry systems (AFS) are valuable production systems that allow concealing benefits provision with conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services. We analysed AFS of the zone of alluvial valleys of the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley (TCV), Mexico, the most intensive agricultural systems within a region recognized for harbouring one of the most ancient agricultural experience of the New World. We hypothesized that the biodiversity conservation capacity of AFS would be directly related to traditional agricultural features and inversely related to management intensity. METHODS: Agricultural practices, use frequency of machinery and chemical inputs, and proportion of forest and cultivated areas were described in 15 AFS plots in alluvial valleys of the Salado River in three villages of the region. With the information, we constructed a management intensity index and compared among plots and villages. We documented the reasons why people maintain wild plant species and traditional practices. Perennial plant species were sampled in vegetation of AFS (15 plots) and unmanaged forests (12 plots 500 m(2)) in order to compare richness, diversity and other ecological indicators in AFS and forest. RESULTS: In all studied sites, people combine traditional and intensive agricultural practices. Main agroforestry practices are ground terraces and borders surrounding AFS plots where people maintain vegetation. According to people, the reasons for maintaining shrubs and trees in AFS were in order of importance are: Beauty and shade provision (14% of people), fruit provision (7%), protection against strong wind, and favouring water and soil retention. We recorded 66 species of trees and shrubs in the AFS studied, 81% of them being native species that represent 38% of the perennial plant species recorded in forests sampled. Land tenure and institutions vary among sites but not influenced the actions for maintaining the vegetation cover in AFS. Plant diversity decreased with increasing agricultural intensity. CONCLUSIONS: Maintenance of vegetation cover did not confront markedly with the intensive agricultural practices. It is possible the expansion and enrichment of vegetation in terraces and borders of AFS. Information available on plant species and local techniques is potentially useful for a regional program of biodiversity conservation considering AFS as keystones.

Bricklebush (Brickellia) phylogeny reveals dimensions of the great Asteraceae radiation in Mexico.

Data from molecular phylogenetics were used to assess aspects of diversity and relationships in Brickellia, a large and widespread genus of Eupatorieae. The dataset included sequence data from nuclear ribosomal ITS, ETS, and plastid psbA-trnH regions. An initial question was to assess the monophyly of the genus and whether Barroetea, Phanerostylis, and Kuhnia should be recognized as separate from or included in Brickellia. The results supported the hypothesis that Brickellia is monophyletic, with the small (2-3 species) Pleurocoronis as the sister group and showed Barroetea, Phanerostylis, and Kuhnia all embedded within the genus. Results of a time calibrated phylogeny from a BEAST analysis gave an estimated origination time for Brickellia at about 9 million years ago (Ma), with the oldest split within the genus dated at about 7.5Ma. A BAMM analysis based on the time calibrated tree showed that Brickellia has one rate shift in diversification associated with its origin in the late Miocene. Some lineages within the genus have had an increase in the rate of diversification over the past 5Ma, whereas other lineages have had a decrease in net diversification during this period. The results also elucidated nine clades within Brickellia which are accepted as taxonomic sections, and that will form logical units for future detailed studies.

Use of columnar cacti in the Tehuacán Valley, Mexico: perspectives for sustainable management of non-timber forest products.

BACKGROUND: TEK, ecological and economic aspects of columnar cacti were studied in the Tehuacán Valley, Mexico to design sustainable regimes of fruit harvest. We analysed the amounts of edible fruit, seeds and flowers produced per hectare of cardonal, jiotillal and tetechera forests, their economic value and actual extraction rates, hypothesizing that the economic benefits of these NTFP would potentially be comparable to maize agriculture, which involves forest removal. METHODS: Our study comprised the whole territory of the community of Quiotepec, Oaxaca. Sustainable gathering rates were analysed through population dynamics models and simulations of harvesting regimes (10%, 25%, and 50% of fruit gathered) per hectare of forest type. We used estimations on economic benefit and ecological impact of these scenarios to evaluate their relative sustainability, compared with maize agroforestry systems harbouring 2-47% of vegetation cover. RESULTS: For the whole territory, the total annual fruit production is 509.3 ton of Pachycereus weberi, 267.4 ton of Neobuxbaumia tetetzo, 99.5 ton of Escontria chiotilla, and 8.1 ton of Myrtillocactus geometrizans. The total economic value of fruits per hectare was $315.00 U.S. dollars for cardonal, $244.60 for jiotillal, and $113.80 for tetechera, whereas rainfed agriculture of maize was on average $945.52. Demographic models for E. chiotilla and N. tetetzo indicate that 70% and 95% of fruit harvesting, respectively maintain λ > 1, but these harvest rates cannot be recommendable since the models do not consider the high inter-annual environmental variations and the non-estimated amount of fruit consumed by natural frugivorous. Extracting 25% of fruit is ecologically more sustainable, but with low economic benefits. Agroforestry systems maintaining the higher vegetation cover provide economic benefits from agriculture and forest resources. CONCLUSIONS: Combining forest extraction and agroforestry systems are ideal scenarios to sustainable fruit harvest programmes. In addition, fair commerce of transformed products would substantially favour goals of sustainable management.

Definition and insertion of the GSPC in the political context of Mexico.

Mexico as a megadiverse country houses between 6 and 8% of the world's flora. However, the Mexican flora is facing challenges, including the presence of at least 981 threatened plant species and 618 exotic plant species, habitat loss, pollution, overexploitation of natural resources and the adverse effects of climate change, which are compromising its conservation and sustainable use. Mexico has been actively involved in the development and update of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC) adopted by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). As a party to CBD, Mexico has established a Coordinating Committee for the Mexican Strategy for Plant Conservation (MSPC), which has adapted the GSPC to fit national needs and drafted a number of projects, indicators, means of verification and actors to ensure that the MSPC, as a public policy tool, really drives conservation and sustainable use actions among all sectors and lasts beyond the current administration. An agenda is being developed with activities that include the following: approaching Congress, identifying the relevance of the MSPC in the National Development Plan and the Mexican Biodiversity Strategy, making use of current environmental policies and an aggressive awareness programme. The MSPC includes simultaneous programmes of technical and political work.

[Leaf epidermis ultrastructure of Zeugites (Poaceae: Panicoideae)]. / Ultraestructura de la epidermis foliar de Zeugites (Poaceae: Panicoideae).

The genus Zeugites comprises eleven species of neotropical grasses and it is principally distributed in Mexico, with some species extending to the Caribbean region, Central and South America. In this work, leaf epidermis ultrastructure of 11 species is described by the use of scanning electron microscopy. At least three specimens per species, that included herbarium and collected specimens, were used. An identification key and specific descriptions are included, in which the distinctive epidermal features are highlighted. The taxonomic valuable characters found were the following: presence or absence of prickles and macrohairs, intercostals short cells form and silica body form. Based on leaf epidermis characteristics, Zeugites species can be arranged into three groups: (1) species that lack prickles (Z. americana, Z. mexicana, Z. pringlei, Z. munroana and Z. sagittata); and lack macro hairs, with the exception of Z. pringlei; (2) species that have prickles (Z. latifolia and Z. smilacifolia); (3) species that have both, prickles and macrohairs (Z. capillaris, Z. hackelii, Z. pittieri and Z. sylvatica). The morphological features of leaf epidermis, support the relationship between the tribes Centotheceae and Paniceae.

Ultraestructura de la epidermis foliar de Zeugites (Poaceae: Panicoideae)

Leaf epidermis ultrastructure of Zeugites (Poaceae: Panicoideae). The genus Zeugites comprises eleven species of neotropical grasses and it is principally distributed in Mexico, with some species extending to the Caribbean region, Central and South America. In this work, leaf epidermis ultrastructure of 11 species is described by the use of scanning electron microscopy. At least three specimens per species, that included herbarium and collected specimens, were used. An identification key and specific descriptions are included, in which the distinctive epidermal features are highlighted. The taxonomic valuable characters found were the following: presence or absence of prickles and macrohairs, intercostals short cells form and silica body form. Based on leaf epidermis characteristics, Zeugites species can be arranged into three groups: (1) species that lack prickles (Z. americana, Z. mexicana, Z. pringlei, Z. munroana and Z. sagittata); and lack macro hairs, with the exception of Z. pringlei; (2) species that have prickles (Z. latifolia and Z. smilacifolia); (3) species that have both, prickles and macrohairs (Z. capillaris, Z. hackelii, Z. pittieri and Z. sylvatica). The morphological features of leaf epidermis, support the relationship between the tribes Centotheceae and Paniceae. Rev. Biol. Trop. 59 (2): 557-568. Epub 2011 June 01.

El género Zeugites incluye once especies de pastos con distribución neotropical, en México, el Caribe, Centro y Sudamérica. En este trabajo se describe la epidermis foliar de las once especies, se utilizaron técnicas de microscopía electrónica de barrido y revisaron al menos tres especímenes de cada especie, algunas muestras proceden de ejemplares de herbario y otras fueron recolectadas por la primera autora. Se presenta una clave y descripciones para las especies del género, en las cuales se resaltan las características epidérmicas distintivas. Los caracteres que resultaron informativos, desde el punto de vista taxonómico fueron: la presencia o ausencia de aguijones y macropelos, la forma de las células cortas intercostales y la forma de los cuerpos de sílice. Con base en estas características, las especies de Zeugites se pueden separar en tres grupos: (1) especies que no presentan aguijones (Z. americana, Z. mexicana, Z. pringlei, Z. munroana y Z. sagittata) y que con excepción de Z. pringlei tampoco presentan macropelos; (2) especies que presentan sólo aguijones (Z. latifolia y Z. smilacifolia); y (3) especies que presentan aguijones y macropelos (Z. capillaris, Z. hackelii, Z pittieri y Z. sylvatica). Las características morfológicas de la epidermis foliar, sustentan la relación de las tribus Centotheceae y Paniceae.

Estudio para determinar la efectividad de Midazolam administrado por vía rectal como premedicación en niños

El presente estudio surge de la interrogante acerca de encontrar un método menos traumático, para que el paciente pediátrico pueda ingresar a la cirugía y poder efectuar la separación de los padres para este efeco. El midazolam es una droga segura y efectiva para la pre-medicación de niños programados para cirugía ambulatoria. Es una benzodiacepina hidrosoluble de corta acción con una vida media corta, puede ser administrada a través de todas las vías y tiene la capacidad de ser absorbida por vía transmucosa. La administración rectal de midazolam puede ofrecer sedación similar, y disipación de la ansiedad, sin la incomodidad y miedo asociados con la administración intramuscular en niños. El principal objetivo de este trabajo es determinar la efectividad y seguridad del midazolam administrado por vía rectal como pre-medicación en niños. Se realizó la recolección de los datos mediante una ficha, de acuerdo al grado de sedación, separación de los padres del niños, cambios hemodinámicos, efectos adversos perioperatorios que se presentaron y recuperación post anestésica. Podemos concluir que la administración de midazolam por vía rectal es una opción efectiva y aceptable para pre-medicación en niños, manteniendo un estado cardiorrespiratorio dentro parámetros normales y proporcionando una inducción, mantenimiento y despertar estables, de la anestesia general.

Isolation, characterization and cross-amplification of polymorphic microsatellite loci in the threatened endemic Mammillaria crucigera (Cactaceae).

The cactus Mammillaria crucigera is a threatened species endemic to central Mexico. As a means of assessing population genetic status of these species, eight microsatellite markers were developed. These primers were tested in 40 individual from two wild populations. The results showed that these primers will be useful to describe population structure and aid to the conservation of species. The eight primers were tested in other Mammillaria species and most of them showed successful amplification.

Phylogenetic relationships of aroids and duckweeds (Araceae) inferred from coding and noncoding plastid DNA.

Familial, subfamilial, and tribal monophyly and relationships of aroids and duckweeds were assessed by parsimony and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses of five regions of coding (rbcL, matK) and noncoding plastid DNA (partial trnK intron, trnL intron, trnL-trnF spacer) for exemplars of nearly all aroid and duckweed genera. Our analyses confirm the position of Lemna and its allies (formerly Lemnaceae) within Araceae as the well-supported sister group of all aroids except Gymnostachydoideae and Orontioideae. The last two subfamilies form the sister clade of the rest of the family. Monophyly of subfamilies Orontioideae, Pothoideae, Monsteroideae, and Lasioideae is supported, but Aroideae are paraphyletic if Calla is maintained in its own subfamily (Calloideae). Our results suggest expansion of the recently proposed subfamily Zamioculcadoideae (Zamioculcas, Gonatopus) to include Stylochaeton and identify problems in the current delimitation of tribes Anadendreae, Heteropsideae, and Monstereae (Monsteroideae), Caladieae/Zomicarpeae, and Colocasieae (Aroideae). Canalization of traits of the spathe and spadix considered typical of Araceae evolved after the split of Gymnostachydoideae, Orontioideae, and Lemnoideae. An association with aquatic habitats is a plesiomorphic attribute in Araceae, occurring in the helophytic Orontioideae and free-floating Lemnoideae, but evolving independently in various derived aroid lineages including free-floating Pistia (Aroideae).

Eficiência da lavagem de carcaças de frango com contaminação fecal aparente, comparada ao corte das áreas afetadas, para redução de contagem bacteriana / Efficiency of washing of carcasses with fecal contamination of chicken apparent, compared to the cutting of the affected areas, to reduce bacterial

A fonte de contaminação com fezes em carcaças de frango ocorre quando o trato intestinal se rompe, é cortado ou quando as fezes são expulsas da carcaça do frango. Amostras de carcaças de frango com contaminação fecal visível foram analisadas, após a retirada com faca da área comprometida. Foram analisadas 1080 carcaças de frango durante 18 dias diferentes de abate, sendo coletadas 10 carcaças por dia em cada ponto de coleta testado, antes e após o chiller. (...) Para as amostras de carcaças de frango coletadas após o chiller, a contagem de Coliformes totais, para o tratamento controle (FDCN), não difere significativamente do tratamento teste FDCL (p>0,05), mas difere do tratamento FDCC (P>0,05) e, o tratamento FDCL, não difere significamente do tratamento FDCC (p>0,05). Para a contagem de Enterobacteriaceae, não há diferença significativa entre o tratamento controle FDCN e FDCL (p>0,05) e ambos, FDCN e FDCL diferem significativamente de FDCC. Para os três tratamentos não houve diferença significativa na pesquisa de E.coli (p=0,30). O procedimento de corte de partes das carcaças contaminadas com fezes, antes do resfriamento, não diminuiu a contaminação microbiológica, comparado com o procedimento de lavagem das carcaças.

Toward the identification of a core zone in the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán biosphere reserve Mexico based on parsimony analysis of endemicity of flowering plant species

La evaluación de los patrones de distribución de 174 especies de plantas con flores endémicas de la Reserva de la Biosfera Tehuacán - Cuicatlán, México, utilizando el Análisis de Parsimonia de Endemicidad (PAE), permite la identificación de ocho áreas de endemismo. Esas áreas de endemismo pueden considerarse irremplazables ya que sus especies no están presentes en ningún otro sitio. Las áreas de endemismo identificadas son propuestas como zonas núcleo de la Reserva de la Biosfera pues en ellas se podría conservar el 85 por ciento del endemismo y el 68 por ciento de la riqueza florística total registrada en la zona

A corporate approach to social monitoring and assessment for development in a fragile environment.

The prevailing corporate trend regarding development of energy resources in the tropics emphasizes financial gain over long-term societal benefits. Some corporations are beginning to find a competitive advantage linked to proactive relations with host communities and adequate protection of fragile ecosystems. Herein, we describe a case study where an international energy production company worked with stakeholders to achieve social capital and sustainable development. The strategies aimed to strengthen local capacity to improve social welfare and to ensure conservation and wise use of biodiversity. We provide examples, discuss lessons learned and make recommendations for future development projects.

SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY SURVEY OF LEAF EPIDERMIS OF SORGHASTRUM (POACEAE: ANDROPOGONEAE).

Scanning electron micrographs of the foliar epidermes of all 17 species of Sorghastrum are presented. A description of foliar epidermal micromorphology for the genus is followed by short descriptions of the individual species, emphasizing their epidermal differences. Papillar morphology is variable but taxonomically informative in distinguishing among the species of Sorghastrum. Based on the absence or presence of papillae, and differences in papillar morphology, three informal groups within Sorghastrum are recognized: 1) the nonpapillate group including S. balansae, S. rigidifolium, S. setosum, S. contractum, S. minarum, and S. viride; 2) the globose-papillate group including S. elliottii, S. incompletum, S. nudipes, S. nutans, S. scaberrimum, S. secundum, and S. trichopus; and 3) the elongate-papillate group including S. brunneum, S. stipoides, S. chasae, and S. pellitum. No correlation between papillar development and habitat is evident; however, a correlation exists between papillar development and the geographic distribution of the species of Sorghastrum.