PAMAM-G4 protect the N-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-2-propylpentanamide (HO-AAVPA) and maintain its antiproliferative effects on MCF-7.

Our work group designed and synthesized a promissory compound N-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-2-propylpentanamide (HO-AAVPA). The HO-AAVPA is a HDAC1 inhibitor and antiproliferative in cancer cell lines. However, HO-AAVPA is poor water solubility and enzymatically metabolized. In this work, the fourth-generation poly(amidoamine) dendrimer (PAMAM-G4) was used as a drug deliver carrier of HO-AAVPA. Moreover, HO-AAVPA and HO-AAVPA-PAMAM complex were submitted to forced degradation studies (heat, acid, base, oxidation and sunlight). Also, the HO-AAVPA-PAMAM-G4 complex was assayed as antiproliferative in a breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). The HO-AAVPA-PAMAM-G4 complex was obtained by docking and experimentally using three pH conditions: acid (pH = 3.0), neutral (pH = 7.0) and basic (pH = 9.0) showing that PAMAM-G4 captureand protect the HO-AAVPA from forced degradation, it is due to sunlight yielded a by-product from HO-AAVPA. In addition, the PAMAM-G4 favored the HO-AAVPA water solubility under basic and neutral pH conditions with significant difference (F(2,18) = 259.9, p < 0.001) between the slopes of the three conditions being the basic condition which solubilizes the greatest amount of HO-AAVPA. Finally, the HO-AAVPA-PAMAM-G4 complex showed better antiproliferative effects on MCF-7 (IC50 = 75.3 µM) than HO-AAVPA (IC50 = 192 µM). These results evidence that PAMAM-G4 complex improve the biological effects of HO-AAVPA.

The Implementation of Evidence-Based Obesity Education Curricula to Prevent Cancer in a Predominantly Mexican-American Community on the U.S.-Mexico Border.

Although cancer is the leading cause of death among Mexican-Americans, few community-based programs target obesity reduction as a way to reduce the prevalence of obesity-related cancer in underserved populations. Evidence suggests that obesity correlates with 13 types of cancer. The objective is to provide an overview of evaluation and selection of evidence-based content; details of the implementation process; modifications needed to tailor education programs to specific needs of different target audiences; and demonstrate challenges of implementing a community-based prevention program intended to reduce cancer incidence and mortality in Mexican-Americans. We used the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) to develop a 10-topic menu of educational classes using elements of multiple evidence-based curricula. Outcome measures for physical activity and nutrition were determined using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the Dietary Screener Questionnaire (DSQ). Weight status was determined using weight, body fat, and body mass index (BMI). To date, 2845 adults received wellness education from our program. Multiple delivery models were used to reach a larger audience; they included a 4-week model, 5-week model, employer model, low-income housing, 1- and 2-h sessions, and clinic encounters. Individuals were given education at multiple community locations including senior centers (14%), churches (0.6%), employers (17.6%), low-income housing (8.2%), community centers (16.6%), clinics (11.5%), and schools (32.5%). Our study indicates that our delivery model is feasible and can disseminate evidence-based obesity education. Further investigation is necessary to assess long-term behavioral change and to assess the most effective model for delivery.

An ORBIT Phase 1: Design study of a citywide employer-based walking challenges in a predominantly Mexican American metropolitan area.

Most Mexican-Americans do not meet current physical activity recommendations. This paper uses the ORBIT model of obesity intervention development as a framework to outline the process of establishing three employer-based walking challenges in El Paso, Texas, a predominantly Mexican American community. The walking challenges were planned and implemented through the Border Coalition for Fitness and participating partnering organizations. Over 2000 participants and several employers took part in the walking challenges. Results from this ORBIT Phase 1 design intervention suggest that walking challenges are a feasible approach to increase physical activity in Mexican-Americans.

Cryptic molecular diversity in the morphologically variable rotiferan Brachionus quadridentatus (Rotifera: Monogononta)

Brachionus quadridentatus es una especie morfológicamente variable, distribuida por todo el mundo. Su taxonomía es confusa debido a las numerosas variantes infrasubespecíficas descritas en este taxón. Con la taxonomía basada en la morfología, B. quadridentatus tiene tres variantes reconocidas: B. quadridentatus quadridentatus, B. quadridentatus f. brevispinus and B. quadridentatus f. cluniorbicularis. En este estudio, exploramos la diversidad genética entre algunas poblaciones de B. quadridentatus, usando secuencias de los genes COI ADNmt y 18S ARNr. El análisis de delimitación de especies coalescente usando el gen 18S apoya la presencia de al menos tres especies putativas dentro del complejo B. quadridentatus. Estos resultados estuvieron en concordancia con los análisis filogenético y GMYC usando el gen 18S. Sin embargo, se encontró variación en morfología y secuencias del gen COI dentro de cada una de las tres especies putativas. Se encontraron siete linajes delimitados por las secuencias del gen COI usando el método de delimitación ABGD, que además están morfologicamente diferenciadas. Se encontró discordancia mitonuclear entre la filogenia del gen COI y la del gen 18S. La incongruencia entre el marcador mitocondrial y el nuclear puede ser explicada por sorteo incompleto de linaje.

Brachionus quadridentatus is a morphologically variable species of rotifer distributed worldwide. The taxonomy of this species is confused, with numerous infrasubspecific variants described in the taxon: B. quadridentatus quadridentatus, B. quadridentatus f. brevispinus and B. quadridentatus f. cluniorbicularis. In this study, we explored genetic diversity among some populations of B. quadridentatus, using sequences of mitochondrial COI and nuclear 18S genes. The coalescent species delimitation analysis with the 18S gene highly supports the presence of at least three putative species within the B. quadridentatus complex. These results were in agreement with the phylogenetic and GMYC analysis using the 18S gene. However, we also found variation within each of these three putative species in morphology and COI gene sequences. There were seven morphologically differentiated lineages that were recovered as distinct based on COI gene sequences using the ABGD delimitation method. As such, mitonuclear discordance between COI and 18S phylogenies was found. The incongruence between mitochondrial and nuclear markers could be explained by incomplete lineage sorting.

Desafío diagnóstico

Paciente masculino de 3 días con distensión abdominal. sin evacuaciones, ictericia escleral, dilatación de pelvis renal bilateral.

Producción espacial y temporal de hojarasca del manglar en la laguna Barra de Navidad, Jalisco, México / Spatial and temporal mangrove litter production in Barra de Navidad lagoon, Jalisco, México

ResumenLa laguna de Barra de Navidad es un humedal costero de importancia internacional (sitio RAMSAR) y está incluida entre los 81 sitios prioritarios de manglar de México. Una de las características de mayor valor de la laguna, es la presencia de bosques de mangle en buen estado de conservación. El objetivo de nuestro trabajo, fue medir la producción de hojarasca del manglar y los factores ambientales que pueden influir en su dinámica.El manglar fue dividido en siete zonas y las recolectas de hojarasca se realizaron mensualmente entre noviembre 2011 y octubre 2012, mediante recolectores cuadrados de 0.25 m2 construidos con malla de mosquitero (1 mm) y colocados a 1.3 m del suelo. De forma simultánea, se midieron varias variables abióticas en el agua intersticial recolectada en pozos permanentes en cada zona, mediante un Sistema Multi-Sonda, YSI-556-M. El valor total promedio de producción de hojarasca, según el área de cada zona, fue de 19.12 ± 1.23 gPS/m2.mes (2.29 t/ha.año). Esta baja productividad se atribuye al clima seco de la región y a la poca amplitud de las mareas. Avicennia germinans y Laguncularia racemosa produjeron poco más del 80 % de toda la hojarasca, mientras que Rhizophora mangle sólo contribuyó con el 16 % y Conocarpus erectus< 4%. Existe una correlación significativa entre las variables abióticas del sustrato (principalmente la salinidad y la profundidad del agua intersticial) y la cantidad de hojarasca producida. Se concluye que, existen variaciones espaciales significativas en las variables abióticas del sustrato que se correlacionan con diferencias en la composición por especies del manglar y que, junto con las etapas de los ciclos vitales de esas especies, generan variaciones significativas en la cantidad y composición de la hojarasca producida. La investigación futura se enfocará en la cuantificación de las variaciones espaciales de la estructura del bosque y su relación con la producción de hojarasca.

AbstractBarra de Navidad lagoon is a coastal wetland of international importance (Ramsar site) and it is included among the 81 Mexican mangrove priority sites. One of the most valued characteristics of this lagoon is the presence of mangrove forest in a good conservation state. The goal of our research was the measurement of mangrove litter production and environmental factors influencing its dynamics. The mangrove area was divided into seven zones and litterfall was monthly sampled from November 2011 to October 2012 using 0.25 m2 square collectors made with mosquito mesh (1 mm) and positioned at 1.3 m above the ground. Abiotic variables of the interstitial water were measured simultaneously at each zone in permanent plots using a multi-parameter probe, YSI-556-M. Total mean value of litterfall production, weighted by zone surface, was 19.12 ± 1.23 gPS/m2.mo (2.29 t/ha.year). This low productivity is a consequence of the region's dry climate and low tide range. The species Avicennia germinans and Laguncularia racemosa produced more than 80 % of total litterfall, while Rhizophora mangle contributed only 16 % and Conocarpus erectus < 4 %. A significant correlation between litterfall production and abiotic variables was found (e.g. salinity and interstitial water depth). We concluded that there are significant spatial variations in soil abiotic variables which are correlated with differences in mangrove species composition, and produce, together with the life cycles stages of those species, significant variations in the quantity and composition of litterfall. Future research will be focused on quantifying spatial variations in forest structure and their relationship with litterfall production.

[Spatial and temporal mangrove litter production in Barra de Navidad lagoon, Jalisco, México]. / Producción especial y temporal de hojarasca del manglar en la laguna Barra de Navidad, Jalisco, México.

Barra de Navidad lagoon is a coastal wetland of international importance (Ramsar site) and it is included among the 81 Mexican mangrove priority sites. One of the most valued characteristics of this lagoon is the presence of mangrove forest in a good conservation state. The goal of our research was the measurement of mangrove litter production and environmental factors influencing its dynamics. The mangrove area was divided into seven zones and litterfall was monthly sampled from November 2011 to October 2012 using 0.25 m(2) square collectors made with mosquito mesh (1 mm) and positioned at 1.3 m above the ground. Abiotic variables of the interstitial water were measured simultaneously at each zone in permanent plots using a multi-parameter probe, YSI-556-M. Total mean value of litterfall production, weighted by zone surface, was 19.12 ± 1.23 gPS/m(2).mo (2.29 t/ha.year). This low productivity is a consequence of the region's dry climate and low tide range. The species Avicennia germinans and Laguncularia racemosa produced more than 80 % of total litterfall, while Rhizophora mangle contributed only 16 % and Conocarpus erectus < 4 %. A significant correlation between litterfall production and abiotic variables was found (e.g. salinity and interstitial water depth). We concluded that there are significant spatial variations in soil abiotic variables which are correlated with differences in mangrove species composition, and produce, together with the life cycles stages of those species, significant variations in the quantity and composition of litterfall. Future research will be focused on quantifying spatial variations in forest structure and their relationship with litterfall production.

Changes in the use of manual vacuum aspiration for postabortion care within the public healthcare service network in Honduras.

Honduras is one of the 17 priority countries included in the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) Initiative for the Prevention of Unsafe Abortion and its Consequences. The priority category enables the country to request emergency funding to acquire services or commodities that could contribute toward achieving the objectives laid out in its plan of action. These objectives include improving postabortion care by increasing the use of manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) as an outpatient procedure with minimal human and material resources. Since the Ministry of Health lacked funding, use of the emergency fund was approved for the purchase and distribution of MVA kits nationwide to ensure continuity and the hope of increasing MVA use. Eleven hospitals participating in this initiative provided data for analysis of the outcome. These data show no increase in MVA use; however, as discussed in the article, further investigation provided valuable information on the reasons behind these results.

Evaluación de la calidad del cuidado de enfermería a personas con tratamiento de diálisis peritoneal intermitente con catéter blando y bolsa gemela / Evaluation of the quality of nursing care for people with intermittent peritoneal dialysis treatment with soft catheter and twin bag / Avaliação da qualidade do cuidado de enfermagem para pessoas com tratamento de diálise peritoneal intermitente com cateter mole e bolsa dupla

En las Unidades Hospitalarias la calidad constituye un valor organizacional del sistema de salud, la calidad es hoy en día una mayor exigencia para las instituciones y los profesionales de la salud. Mejorar la calidad no es una moda sino una verdadera necesidad. Uno de los grandes problemas de los profesionales de enfermería es la diversidad del cuidado la complejidad de las intervenciones y falta de continuidad de los mismos en los diferentes turnos que trae como consecuencia riesgos, complicaciones o secuelas para los pacientes. Por lo anterior, es imperativo reorganizar los cuidados, por medio de modelos orientados a dar continuidad y seguimiento a la atención de enfermería, fundamental para garantizar la seguridad de los pacientes. Una de las estrategias es evaluar el proceso de cuidado, como un acto para demostrar en qué grado el personal de enfermería proporciona atención con calidad a las personas con diálisis peritoneal (DP) con bolsa gemela y catéter blando. A través del diseño de cuatro indicadores y estándares, articulados con el modelo de Avedis Donabedian con el enfoque de Estructura, Proceso y Resultado. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal. La muestra fue por conveniencia integrada, no probabilística, para evaluar el enfoque de estructura se aplicó un instrumento a 19 enfermeras jefes de servicio y supervisoras del área de DP, para evaluar en enfoque de proceso se observaron 100 procedimientos realizados por el personal de enfermería de servicio de DP sin intervención del investigador, para evaluar el enfoque de resultado se entrevistaron a 26 pacientes al término de su tratamiento de DP y 30 profesionales de enfermería que otorgaron los cuidados. La recolección de los datos se realizó a través de 4 instrumentos uno que evalúa la estructura otro para evaluar el proceso y dos para evaluar el resultado. Resultados: Según el nivel de cumplimiento establecido para evaluar la calidad del cuidado en la unidad de diálisis peritoneal: Se encontró que el enfoque de estructura posee un nivel de cumplimiento no aceptable con un índice de eficiencia global de 63%, dentro de sus cuatro dimensiones la organización obtuvo un 49% los recursos humanos 32%, el área física 75% y los recursos materiales 76%. El enfoque de Proceso se encuentra en un nivel de cumplimiento no aceptable con un índice de eficiencia global 69%, dentro de sus tres dimensiones; nivel científico técnico obtuvo 76%, la relación interpersonal 76% y la educación en salud 18.5%. El enfoque de Resultados, en la medición de la satisfacción del usuario se encontró nivel de cumplimiento aceptable con de índice de eficiencia global 83.5%, dentro de sus siete dimensión la de oportunidad en la atención obtuvo 70%, amabilidad en el trato 92%, proceso de la atención 79%, resultados de la atención 78%, atención personalizada 95%, información 77%, comodidad 85%. La satisfacción laboral del profesional de enfermería con un nivel de cumplimiento no aceptable con un índice de eficiencia global 67.26%, dentro de sus ocho dimensión la de disponibilidad de integración obtuvo 70%, remuneración 60%, reconocimiento 60%, superación 58%, seguridad laboral 65%, capacitación 77% oportunidad de mejora 76%, comunicación 70%. Discusión: Los resultados obtenidos demostraron que existe una relación lineal entre los enfoques de estructura proceso y resultado (satisfacción del usuario) es aceptable. Castrillón y cols en el año 1992. Demuestra una similitud al no haber cumplimiento en el enfoque de estructura y proceso y el enfoque de resultado si existe satisfacción en el paciente por la atención recibida. Conclusiones: El nivel de calidad del cuidado en la Unidad de DP no es aceptable y es consecuencia de no contar con procedimientos estandarizados, definidos, medidos y evaluados periódicamente para la mejora continua dela calidad de los cuidados.

In the Hospital Units quality is an organizational value of the health system, quality is nowadays a greater demand for institutions and health professionals. Improving quality is not a fashion but a real necessity. One of the great problems of nursing professionals is the diversity of care, the complexity of the interventions and their lack of continuity in the different shifts that result in risks, complications or sequelae for patients. Therefore, it is imperative to reorganize care, through models oriented to provide continuity and follow-up to nursing care, essential to ensure patient safety. One of the strategies is to evaluate the care process, as an act to demonstrate the degree to which the nursing staff provides quality care to people with peritoneal dialysis (DP) with a twin bag and a soft catheter. Through the design of four indicators and standards, articulated with the Avedis Donabedian model with the focus of Structure, Process and Result. Methodology: An observational, descriptive and transversal study was carried out. The sample was for integrated convenience, not probabilistic, to evaluate the structure approach an instrument was applied to 19 nurses heads of service and supervisors of the DP area, to evaluate in process approach 100 procedures performed by the nursing staff were observed. PD service without the intervention of the researcher, 26 patients were interviewed at the end of their PD treatment and 30 nursing professionals who granted the care to evaluate the result approach. The data collection was done through 4 instruments, one that evaluates the structure, another to evaluate the process and two to evaluate the result. Results: According to the compliance level established to evaluate the quality of care in the peritoneal dialysis unit: It was found that the structure approach has an unacceptable level of compliance with an overall efficiency index of 63%, within its four dimensions the organization obtained 49% of human resources 32%, physical area 75% and material resources 76%. The Process approach is at an unacceptable level of compliance with a 69% overall efficiency index, within its three dimensions; technical scientific level obtained 76%, the interpersonal relationship 76% and health education 18.5%. The Results focus, in the measurement of user satisfaction, found an acceptable level of compliance with the 83.5% global efficiency index, within its seven dimensions, the opportunity opportunity in the care obtained 70%, kindness in the treatment 92%, 79% care process, 78% care results, 95% personalized attention, 77% information, 85% comfort. The job satisfaction of the nursing professional with an unacceptable level of compliance with an overall efficiency index of 67.26%, within its eight dimensions the availability of integration obtained 70%, remuneration 60%, recognition 60%, improvement 58%, safety 65% employment, 77% training, 76% improvement opportunity, 70% communication. Discussion: The results obtained showed that there is a linear relationship between the approaches of structure, process and result (user satisfaction) is acceptable. Castrillón et al. In 1992. It shows a similarity in the lack of compliance in the structure and process approach and the outcome approach if there is satisfaction in the patient for the care received. Conclusions: The level of quality of care in the DP Unit is not acceptable and is the consequence of not having standardized procedures, defined, measured and evaluated periodically for the continuous improvement of the quality of care.

Nas Unidades Hospitalares a qualidade é um valor organizacional do sistema de saúde, a qualidade é hoje uma demanda maior por instituições e profissionais de saúde. Melhorar a qualidade não é uma moda, mas uma necessidade real. Um dos grandes problemas dos profissionais de enfermagem é a diversidade de cuidados, a complexidade das intervenções e a falta de continuidade nos diferentes turnos que resultam em riscos, complicações ou sequelas para os pacientes. Portanto, é imperativo reorganizar o cuidado, por meio de modelos orientados para dar continuidade e acompanhamento aos cuidados de enfermagem, essenciais para garantir a segurança do paciente. Uma das estratégias é avaliar o processo de cuidar, como um ato para demonstrar em que medida a equipe de enfermagem presta um atendimento de qualidade às pessoas com diálise peritoneal (DP) com bolsa dupla e cateter mole. Através do desenho de quatro indicadores e padrões, articulados com o modelo Avedis Donabedian com o foco de Estrutura, Processo e Resultado. Metodologia: Foi realizado um estudo observacional, descritivo e transversal. A amostra foi por conveniência integrado probabilística para avaliar a abordagem de estruturar um instrumento para cabeças 19 e enfermeiros supervisores na área de DP foi aplicado para avaliar a abordagem de processo 100 procedimentos realizados por pessoal de enfermagem foram observadas Serviço de DP sem a intervenção do pesquisador, 26 pacientes foram entrevistados ao final de seu tratamento em DP e 30 profissionais de enfermagem que concederam os cuidados para avaliar a abordagem dos resultados. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de 4 instrumentos, um que avalia a estrutura, outro para avaliar o processo e dois para avaliar o resultado. Resultados: Dependendo do nível de cumprimento estabelecido para avaliar a qualidade do atendimento na unidade de diálise peritoneal: Descobrimos que a estrutura de abordagem tem um nível inaceitável de conformidade com um índice de eficiência global de 63%, em quatro dimensões a organização obteve 49% dos recursos humanos 32%, área física 75% e recursos materiais 76%. A abordagem do processo está em um nível inaceitável de conformidade com um índice geral de eficiência de 69%, dentro de suas três dimensões; nível técnico-científico obteve 76%, o relacionamento interpessoal 76% e educação em saúde 18,5%. O foco dos Resultados, na mensuração da satisfação do usuário, encontrou um nível aceitável de conformidade com o índice de eficiência global de 83,5%, dentro de suas sete dimensões, oportunidade de oportunidade no atendimento 70%, gentileza no tratamento 92%, 79% de atendimento, 78% de atendimento, 95% atendimento personalizado, 77% de informação, 85% de conforto. A satisfação profissional do profissional de enfermagem com um nível inaceitável de conformidade com um índice geral de eficiência de 67,26%, em suas oito dimensões a disponibilidade de integração obteve 70%, remuneração 60%, reconhecimento 60%, melhoria 58%, segurança 65% de emprego, 77% de treinamento, 76% de oportunidades de melhoria, 70% de comunicação. Discussão: Os resultados obtidos mostraram que existe uma relação linear entre as abordagens de estrutura, processo e resultado (satisfação do usuário) é aceitável. Castrillón et al., Em 1992. Mostra uma semelhança na falta de conformidade na abordagem de estrutura e processo e na abordagem de resultado, se houver satisfação no paciente pelo cuidado recebido. Conclusões: O nível de qualidade da atenção na Unidade de DP não é aceitável e é consequência de não haver procedimentos padronizados, definidos, mensurados e avaliados periodicamente para a melhoria contínua da qualidade da assistência.

The Rotifer fauna of Guatemala and Belize: survey and biogeographical affinities

Rotifer samples were obtained from 29 localities in northern Guatemala and central-southern Belize during March 2000 and June 2001. A total of 119 species were identified. Ten selected taxa are illustrated and commented: Euchlanis semicarinata, Lepadella apsicora, L. cryphaea, Lecane curvicornis f. lofuana, L. whitfordi, Monommata maculata, Scaridium bostjani, Trichocerca elongata f. braziliensis, and T. hollaerti. The species Lepadella rhomboidula is a first record for the American Continent. The species are 71 % cosmopolitan, 6 % tropicopolitan, and 4.2 % restricted to the subtropics. The Guatemala species number range was Petén-itza lake (53 taxa), and Raxruja pool (three). La Democracia pool (49 taxa), and the Blue Hole sink-hole (six species) were the extremes in Belize. in total, 68 of the recorded taxa are new for Guatemala and 91 for Belize. Additionally, 47 species are registered by the first time in Central America. A comparison between these two countries and Mexico revealed that the south part of the latter conform a cluster with them, emphasizing the transitional character of this region between the Nearctics and the Neotropics. Furthermore, Guatemala and Belize have differences in species assemblages, as a response to the nature of their particular environments and topographical accidents. Rev. Biol. Trop. 55 (2): 569-584. Epub 2007 June, 29.

El análisis de muestras procedentes del norte de Guatemala y centro-sur de Belice, recolectadas en marzo de 2000 y junio de 2001, dio como resultado la presencia de 119 especies. Se presenta una breve descripción de diez taxones seleccionados con base en sus distribuciones restringidas en ciertos ámbitos de América y el viejo continente: Euchlanis semicarinata, Lepadella apsicora, L. cryphaea, Lecane curvicornis f. lofuana, L. whitfordi, Monommata maculata, Scaridium bostjani, Trichocerca elongata f. braziliensis,y T. hollaerti. Por primera vez se informa Lepadella rhomboidula en el continente americano. Las especies registradas incluyen 71 % con distribución cosmopolita y 6 % tropicopolitas; 4.2 % se encuentran restringidas a los subtrópicos. La máxima y mínima diversidad de especies en Guatemala correspondió al lago Petén-itza (con 53 taxones) y al estanque Raxruja (con tres). El estanque La Democracia (con 49 taxones) y el Blue Hole (con seis) fueron máximo y mínimo en Belice. Del total encontrado, 47 especies se registran por primera vez en Centroamérica. Una comparación entre la fauna de rotíferos de estos dos países y México refleja una similitud; sin embargo, también se aprecian ciertas diferencias que permiten establecer un gradiente que va de la región neotropical hacia la neártica.

The Rotifer fauna of Guatemala and Belize: survey and biogeographical affinities.

Rotifer samples were obtained from 29 localities in northern Guatemala and central-southern Belize during March 2000 and June 2001. A total of 119 species were identified. Ten selected taxa are illustrated and commented: Euchlanis semicarinata, Lepadella apsicora, L. cryphaea, Lecane curvicornis f. lofuana, L. whitfordi, Monommata maculata, Scaridium bostjani, Trichocerca elongata f. braziliensis, and Z. hollaerti. The species Lepadella rhomboidula is a first record for the American Continent. The species are 71% cosmopolitan, 6 % tropicopolitan, and 4.2 % restricted to the subtropics. The Guatemala species number range was Petén-Itza lake (53 taxa), and Raxruja pool (three). La Democracia pool (49 taxa), and the Blue Hole sink-hole (six species) were the extremes in Belize. In total, 68 of the recorded taxa are new for Guatemala and 91 for Belize. Additionally, 47 species are registered by the first time in Central America. A comparison between these two countries and Mexico revealed that the south part of the latter conform a cluster with them, emphasizing the transitional character of this region between the Nearctics and the Neotropics. Furthermore, Guatemala and Belize have differences in species assemblages, as a response to the nature of their particular environments and topographical accidents.