Peer cybervictimization and cyberaggression as a function of developmental stage during adolescence: A preliminary study.

Peer cybervictimization and cyberaggression are educational and social concerns which have been extensively studied during adolescence but there is less research conducted specifically across all stages of adolescence (early, middle, late, and emerging adulthood). The objective was to analyse the prevalence of cybervictimization and cyberaggression, the roles, and the associated behaviors, depending on the stages of adolescence. The sample was composed of 7295 non-university Spanish adolescents, between 11 and 22 years old from 47 schools. The frequency of cybervictimization and cyberaggression was 22.5 % and 15 %, respectively. The highest frequencies are found in late adolescence and the lowest in emerging adulthood. Mainly, involvement increases from early to late adolescence and decreases in emerging adulthood. The magnitude of cybervictimization and cyberaggression behaviors for the roles of pure cybervictim and pure cyberaggressor is similar through all stages.

Longevity Estimates of Canary Palms and Dragon Trees via Radiocarbon Dating: Initial Results.

Correctly estimating the maximum lifespan of plant species is a necessary component of demographic and life-history studies, which, in turn, are needed for understanding climatic impacts. Arboreal monocotyledons, which can grow to >30 m in height and >5 m in trunk perimeter, are difficult to age because they do not undergo seasonal dormancy; hence, their longevity has been estimated using various size-related methods. In this study, we tested radiocarbon (14C) dating with Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) as an additional tool for determining the age of two iconic monocotyledons: the Canary Island palm and the dragon tree. A total of 25 samples were collected from the basal stem of four palms and five dragon trees on Gran Canaria and Tenerife and then processed using the most advanced 14C-AMS analysis available. Calibration curves provided by the "IntCal group" were used to determine the oldest possible age of each sample, and 16 of them were found to be "modern", i.e., formed after the 1950s. Nine samples that were either collected from exterior, but lignified, palm tissues or from interior, and lignified, dragon tree tissues suggested ages > 300 years. Given the constant improvement of 14C-AMS tools, they can contribute to the further refinement of existing scientific knowledge on Macaronesian charismatic megaflora.

Evolution and conservation genetics of an insular hemiparasitic plant lineage at the limit of survival: the case of Thesium sect. Kunkeliella in the Canary Islands.

PREMISE: The diversification of island flora has been widely studied. However, the role of environmental niches in insular radiation processes has been less investigated. We combined population genetic analyses with species distribution modelling to clarify the genetic relationships, diversification patterns, species niche requirements, and conservation of Thesium sect. Kunkeliella, a clade of rare hemiparasitic plants endemic to the Canaries. METHODS: We studied the three extant Thesium species and a new taxon from La Palma Island. We developed 12 microsatellites and performed population genetic analysis and studied the demographic history of the group. To evaluate the role of niche conservatism in the diversification of the group, we performed species distribution modelling (ESM) with four algorithms. RESULTS: All species presented moderate genetic diversity values for rare endemics. Thesium canariense (Gran Canaria) showed high differentiation, whereas T. subsucculentum, T. retamoides (Tenerife), and La Palma populations are closely related. The lineage may have undergone a recent diversification with colonization proceeding east to west, with T. canariense as sister to the others. We detected a climatic niche shift, as taxa showed different distributions across the temperature gradient. There is enough evidence to describe La Palma populations as a new species. CONCLUSIONS: We characterized the evolutionary history of Thesium sect. Kunkeliella by integrating genetic and ecological assessments. Our results indicate that this clade has undergone a recent radiation process with niche differentiation among species. The results increase our knowledge about insular radiations and will inform the conservation management of the study species.

Cyclotide host-defense tailored for species and environments in violets from the Canary Islands.

Cyclotides are cyclic peptides produced by plants. Due to their insecticidal properties, they are thought to be involved in host defense. Violets produce complex mixtures of cyclotides, that are characteristic for each species and variable in different environments. Herein, we utilized mass spectrometry (LC-MS, MALDI-MS), transcriptomics and biological assays to investigate the diversity, differences in cyclotide expression based on species and different environment, and antimicrobial activity of cyclotides found in violets from the Canary Islands. A wide range of different habitats can be found on these islands, from subtropical forests to dry volcano peaks at high altitudes. The islands are inhabited by the endemic Viola palmensis, V. cheiranthifolia, V. anagae and the common V. odorata. The number of cyclotides produced by a given species varied in plants from different environments. The highest diversity was noted in V. anagae which resides in subtropical forest and the lowest in V. cheiranthifolia from the Teide volcano. Transcriptome sequencing and LC-MS were used to identify 23 cyclotide sequences from V. anagae. Cyclotide extracts exhibited antifungal activities with the lowest minimal inhibitory concentrations noted for V. anagae (15.62 µg/ml against Fusarium culmorum). The analysis of the relative abundance of 30 selected cyclotides revealed patterns characteristic to both species and populations, which can be the result of genetic variability or environmental conditions in different habitats. The current study exemplifies how plants tailor their host defense peptides for various habitats, and the usefulness of cyclotides as markers for chemosystematics.

Design and Measurement Properties of the Online Gambling Disorder Questionnaire (OGD-Q) in Spanish Adolescents.

Gambling disorder is of great clinical and social relevance since it seriously affects people who suffer from it. More recently, the Internet has exacerbated the problem with online casinos, poker, and sports betting. However, there is little evidence of this problem, and we know of no diagnostic questionnaire. The main objectives of this study were to develop the Online Gambling Disorder Questionnaire (OGD-Q) for adolescents, evaluate its main psychometric properties, and establish diagnostic criteria to differentiate pathological from non-pathological online gamblers. We conducted a study in 16 schools across seven regions of Spain, sampling 2691 adolescents, 883 of whom had reported some online gambling experience. Of those, 602 were boys (68.2%) and 281 were girls (31.8%) Sampling was non-probabilistic and incidental. Mean age and standard deviation were 14.25 ± 1.55 (11-19 years). Confirmatory factor analysis yielded a one-dimensional model with a good fit. The reliability indicators were satisfactory (>0.94). The scores on the OGD-Q were related to other constructs, such as Internet gaming disorder, problematic Internet use, and nomophobia. Participants classified as having problems or being at risk of online gambling disorder presented significantly more stress, anxiety, and depression. Participants categorized as having online gambling disorder comprised 0.89% (n = 24) of the total sample and 2.71% of those who have gambled at some time. We discuss these findings and their practical implications in this article and propose future lines of research.

Alpine species in dynamic insular ecosystems through time: conservation genetics and niche shift estimates of the endemic and vulnerable Viola cheiranthifolia.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Alpine oceanic ecosystems are considered amongst the most ephemeral and restricted habitats, with a biota highly vulnerable to climate changes and disturbances. As an example of an alpine insular endemic, the past and future population genetic structure and diversity, and the future distribution of Viola cheiranthifolia (Violaceae), endemic to Tenerife (Canary Islands), were estimated. The main goals were to predict distribution changes of this alpine oceanic plant under climate change, and to assist in actions for its conservation. METHODS: To perform population genetic analysis, 14 specific microsatellite markers and algorithms which considered the polyploid condition of V. cheiranthifolia were employed. The niche modelling approach incorporated temperature gradients, topography and snow cover maps. Models were projected into climate change scenarios to assess the extent of the altitudinal shifts of environmental suitability. Finally, simulations were performed to predict whether the environmental suitability loss will affect the genetic diversity of populations. KEY RESULTS: Viola cheiranthifolia presents short dispersal capacity, moderate levels of genetic diversity and a clear population genetic structure divided into two main groups (Teide and Las Cañadas Wall), showing signs of recolonization dynamics after volcanic eruptions. Future estimates of the distribution of the study populations also showed that, despite being extremely vulnerable to climate change, the species will not lose all its potential area in the next decades. The simulations to estimate genetic diversity loss show that it is correlated to suitability loss, especially in Las Cañadas Wall. CONCLUSIONS: The low dispersal capacity of V. cheiranthifolia, coupled with herbivory pressure, mainly from rabbits, will make its adaptation to future climate conditions in this fragile alpine ecosystem difficult. Conservation actions should be focused on herbivore control, population reinforcement and surveillance of niche shifts, especially in Guajara, which represents the oldest isolated population and a genetic reservoir for the species.

The restoration of the endangered Sambucus palmensis after 30 years of conservation actions in the Garajonay National Park: genetic assessment and niche modeling.

The translocation of individuals or the reinforcement of populations are measures in the genetic rescue of endangered species. Although it can be controversial to decide which and how many individuals must be reintroduced, populations can benefit from reinforcements. Sambucus palmensis is a critically endangered endemic to the Canary Islands. During the past 30 years, the Garajonay National Park (La Gomera) has carried out an intensive program of translocations using cuttings, due to the low germination rates of seeds. To assess the effect of the restorations on the population genetics of S. palmensis in La Gomera, we collected 402 samples from all the restored sites and all known natural individuals, which were genotyped with seven microsatellite markers. In addition, we conducted a species distribution modeling approach to assess how restorations fit the ecological niche of the species. Results show that there is a high proportion of clone specimens due to the propagation method, and the natural clonal reproduction of the species. Nonetheless, the observed heterozygosity has increased with the restorations and there still are private alleles and unique genotypes in the natural populations that have not been considered in the restorations. The population of Liria constitutes a very important genetic reservoir for the species. To optimize future reintroductions, we have proposed a list of specimens that are suitable for the extraction of seeds or cuttings in a greenhouse, as well as new suitable areas obtained by the species distribution models.

Species delimitation and conservation genetics of the Canarian endemic Bethencourtia (Asteraceae).

Bethencourtia Choisy ex Link is an endemic genus of the Canary Islands and comprises three species. Bethencourtia hermosae and Bethencourtia rupicola are restricted to La Gomera, while Bethencourtia palmensis is present in Tenerife and La Palma. Despite the morphological differences previously found between the species, there are still taxonomic incongruities in the group, with evident consequences for its monitoring and conservation. The objectives of this study were to define the species differentiation, perform population genetic analysis and propose conservation strategies for Bethencourtia. To achieve these objectives, we characterized 10 polymorphic SSR markers. Eleven natural populations (276 individuals) were analyzed (three for B. hermosae, five for B. rupicola and three for B. palmensis). The results obtained by AMOVA, PCoA and Bayesian analysis on STRUCTURE confirmed the evidence of well-structured groups corresponding to the three species. At the intra-specific level, B. hermosae and B. rupicola did not show a clear population structure, while B. palmensis was aggregated according to island of origin. This is consistent with self-incompatibility in the group and high gene flow within species. Overall, the genetic diversity of the three species was low, with expected heterozygosity values of 0.302 (B. hermosae), 0.382 (B. rupicola) and 0.454 (B. palmensis). Recent bottleneck events and a low number of individuals per population are probably the causes of the low genetic diversity. We consider that they are naturally rare species associated with specific habitats. The results given in this article will provide useful information to assist in conservation genetics programs for this endemic genus.

Utilización de sulfato de cobre para la elaboración de un jabón líquido antiséptico / Use of cooper sulphate for production of antiseptic liquid soap

INTRODUCCIÓN: las manos poseen un papel importante en la transmisión de infecciones en instituciones de salud, entornos industriales como la industria alimentaria y en toda la comunidad, por lo que su higiene no puede pasar desapercibida. Los jabones líquidos son actualmente una herramienta fundamental para la limpieza de las manos y así también evitar la transmisión de agentes patógenos. OBJETIVO: evaluar la efectividad del sulfato de cobre como agente antiséptico en un jabón líquido y caracterizar el producto mediante controles de calidad. MÉTODOS: se evaluó la capacidad antiséptica del jabón líquido mediante el método de dilución en agar y la disminución del crecimiento bacteriano a través de una variación del recuento por microgota, a tiempos 1, 5 y 10 min. Posteriormente se realizaron controles fisicoquímicos, microbiológicos, prueba de parche y estudios de estabilidad en estantería y acelerada durante 6 meses. RESULTADOS: las cepas Staphylococcus aureus, Staphyloccus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomona aeruginosay Klebsiella pneumoniae fueron sensibles a una concentración de 0,5 por ciento de sulfato de cobre. El crecimiento bacteriano en las cepas S. aureus y S. epidermidis mostró una reducción considerable en los tiempos 5 y 10 min a concentraciones de 0,3 y 0,5 por ciento de sulfato de cobre. El producto elaborado cumplió con los criterios de calidad establecidos, el cual mantuvo su estabilidad durante el tiempo de estudio. CONCLUSIONES: es posible elaborar un jabón líquido en base a sulfato de cobre como agente antiséptico, al ser eficaz frente a las cepas estudiadas(AU)

INTRODUCTION: the hands play a significant role in the transmission of infections at health institutions, industrial environments such as the food industry and at the community; therefore, hand hygiene cannot be ignored. Liquid soaps are now a fundamental tool for hand cleaning and prevention of pathogen transmission. OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the effectiveness of copper sulfate as an antiseptic agent in a liquid soap and to characterize the product by using quality controls. METHODS: aliquid soap was developed, in which its antiseptic capacity was evaluated through the agar dilution method and the reduction of bacterial growth by using a variant of microdrop counting at 1, 5 and 10 minutes. Then physicochemical and microbiological controls were performed, as well as patch test and shelf life and accelerated stability studies for six months. RESULTS: Staphylococcus aureus, Staphyloccus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomona aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae were susceptible to 0.5 percent copper sulfate concentration. Bacterial growth showed considerable reduction in S. aureus and S. epidermidis strains at 5 and 10 minutes at copper sulphate concentrations of 0.3 and 0.5 percent. The finished product met the quality criteria for this type of product, maintaining its stability during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: it is possible to produce a copper sulfate-based liquid soap as an antiseptic since it was effective to control the studied strains(AU)

Utilización de sulfato de cobre para la elaboración de un jabón líquido antiséptico / Use of cooper sulphate for production of antiseptic liquid soap

Introducción: las manos poseen un papel importante en la transmisión de infecciones en instituciones de salud, entornos industriales como la industria alimentaria y en toda la comunidad, por lo que su higiene no puede pasar desapercibida. Los jabones líquidos son actualmente una herramienta fundamental para la limpieza de las manos y así también evitar la transmisión de agentes patógenos. Objetivo: evaluar la efectividad del sulfato de cobre como agente antiséptico en un jabón líquido y caracterizar el producto mediante controles de calidad. Métodos: se evaluó la capacidad antiséptica del jabón líquido mediante el método de dilución en agar y la disminución del crecimiento bacteriano a través de una variación del recuento por microgota, a tiempos 1, 5 y 10 min. Posteriormente se realizaron controles fisicoquímicos, microbiológicos, prueba de parche y estudios de estabilidad en estantería y acelerada durante 6 meses. Resultados: las cepas Staphylococcus aureus, Staphyloccus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomona aeruginosa y Klebsiella pneumoniae fueron sensibles a una concentración de 0,5 por ciento de sulfato de cobre. El crecimiento bacteriano en las cepas S. aureus y S. epidermidis mostró una reducción considerable en los tiempos 5 y 10 min a concentraciones de 0,3 y 0,5 por ciento de sulfato de cobre. El producto elaborado cumplió con los criterios de calidad establecidos, el cual mantuvo su estabilidad durante el tiempo de estudio. Conclusiones: es posible elaborar un jabón líquido en base a sulfato de cobre como agente antiséptico, al ser eficaz frente a las cepas estudiadas(AU)

Introduction: the hands play a significant role in the transmission of infections at health institutions, industrial environments such as the food industry and at the community; therefore, hand hygiene cannot be ignored. Liquid soaps are now a fundamental tool for hand cleaning and prevention of pathogen transmission. Objective: to evaluate the effectiveness of copper sulfate as an antiseptic agent in a liquid soap and to characterize the product by using quality controls. Methods: aliquid soap was developed, in which its antiseptic capacity was evaluated through the agar dilution method and the reduction of bacterial growth by using a variant of microdrop counting at 1, 5 and 10 minutes. Then physicochemical and microbiological controls were performed, as well as patch test and shelf life and accelerated stability studies for six months. Results: Staphylococcus aureus, Staphyloccus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomona aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae were susceptible to 0.5 percent copper sulfate concentration. Bacterial growth showed considerable reduction in S. aureus and S. epidermidis strains at 5 and 10 minutes at copper sulphate concentrations of 0.3 and 0.5 percent. The finished product met the quality criteria for this type of product, maintaining its stability during the study period. Conclusions: it is possible to produce a copper sulfate-based liquid soap as an antiseptic since it was effective to control the studied strains(AU)

Antiproliferative effect of a traditional remedy, Himatanthus articulatus bark, on human cancer cell lines.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Himatanthus articulatus (Vahl) Woodson (Apocynaceae) is a tree occurring in the Amazon region. The local population uses its bark against to external tumors and cancer. AIM OF THE STUDY: Evaluated the antiproliferative activity of the crude extract and their fractions against human tumors cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The antiproliferative responses of the crude extract and their fractions were colorimetrically evaluated by sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay against HT-29 (colon adenocarcinoma); NCI-H460 (non-small cell lung carcinoma); MCF-7 (breast cancer); OVCAR-3 (ovarian adenocarcinoma) and RXF-393 (renal cell carcinoma) as well as against NIH-3T3 (mouse embryo fibroblast cell). RESULTS: The cytotoxicity data from the crude extract allowed considering active only in the NCI-H460 cell line. However, the antiproliferative activity was much more pronounced at the chloroformic fraction in all cell lines tested. The butanolic fraction demonstrated activity against to HT-29, MCF-7, RXF-393 and OVCAR-3 cells. The ethyl acetate fraction demonstrated activity only in RXF-393 and the aqueous residue did not present antiproliferative effect. CONCLUSIONS: Through the popular use we find that the crude extracts of Himatanthus articulatus bark displayed weak cytotoxic. However, the butanolic fraction showed to be active only against to tumor cell lines while chloroformic fraction possesses high activity being similar to the positive control. Both fractions have been selected for future bio-guided fractionation and isolation of active compounds.