Does acclimation in distinct light conditions determine differences in the photosynthetic heat tolerance of coffee plants?

Worldwide coffee production is threatened by climate change, which highlights the importance of heat tolerance studies. Here we tested the hypothesis that photosynthetic heat tolerance in coffee varieties changes according to acclimation to distinct light conditions. Furthermore, we tested if heat tolerance is associated with the habitat of origin of the coffee species. We evaluated heat tolerance using chlorophyll fluorescence in varieties of Coffea arabica (Mundo Novo and Catuai Amarelo) and C. canephora (Conilon) grown in a common garden under two conditions: high (HS) and low (LS) sunlight. Leaf traits associated with leaf cooling were evaluated in plants grown in LS and HS and associations of heat tolerance with these traits were determined. The varieties tested had high photosynthetic heat tolerance, with temperatures above 54 °C leading to a 50% reduction in Fv /Fm (T50 ). The heat tolerance of each Coffea variety was unaffected by growth in distinct light conditions. Leaves of plants grown in LS were larger and had a lower fraction of the leaf area occupied by stomata (nast ). Heat tolerance was positively associated with leaf size and negatively with nast . C. canephora exhibited higher heat tolerance than C. arabica. The limited plasticity of heat tolerance in response to acclimation under distinct light conditions contradicts the prediction that plants acclimated to HS would have higher photosynthetic heat tolerance than those acclimated to LS. Our results on heat tolerance among Coffea species/varieties in HS and LS indicate the possibility of selection of varieties for better acclimation to ongoing climate changes.

Diaspore dispersal season influences root growth and seed traits, but not germination responses, of sympatric Piper species in a seasonal forest.

Seeds may differ in terms of dormancy, longevity, sensitivity to desiccation and dry mass, according to the timing (dry season/rainy season) of diaspore dispersal. In addition, seasonal variations in temperature and water availability can act as signals of the season during seed development, influencing germination responses and root growth. We evaluated the effects of temperature variations and water availability on germination parameters, root growth and seed traits of four coexisting Piper species in seasonal vegetation that differed in diaspore dispersal timing. Eight temperature treatments (15, 20, 23, 25, 28, 30, 35 °C, and alternate 30 °C-20 °C) and four induced water potentials (0, -0.3, -0.6 and -1.2 MPa) were used. The parameters germination onset, germination percentage (G%), mean germination time (MGT), root elongation, seed longevity during ex situ storage and dry mass of seeds were evaluated. Germination responses observed were independent of the diaspore dispersal timing, such as variations in germination onset, G% and MGT, both in temperature and water availability treatments. In contrast, root elongation, longevity and dry mass of seeds varied according to the time of diaspore dispersal. Our results corroborate the hypothesis that the timing of diaspore dispersal is an important factor in controlling the initial development of seedlings in seasonal vegetation, but not in germination responses. The predominance of negative effects of temperature increases and water deficit on root growth shows that the initial stages of plant development can be strongly impacted by these environmental factors.

Gerontecnología: rapid review y tendencias mundiales / Gerontechnology: rapid review and global trends

La actual transición demográfica y epidemiológica por la que atraviesan varias regiones en el mundo, incluyendo México, están desafiando la sustentabilidad de los sistemas de salud, conduciendo al desarrollo de nuevos enfoques de atención para la población de adultos mayores (AM). La estrategia central está enfocada en un envejecimiento saludable donde el aumento de la esperanza de vida sea libre de discapacidad. La gerontecnología pretende contribuir a la disminución de los problemas de los AM que conllevan las transiciones del envejecimiento apoyando el cumplimiento de la estrategia central. La realización de rapid review en gerontecnología demuestra que Holanda y E.U.A. encabezan la lista de países promotores de investigaciones y desarrollos gerontecnológicos a nivel mundial, con 14 y 10 publicaciones respectivamente. México aporta a la generación de conocimientos en el campo con una publicación. A nivel mundial la tendencia es la generación de grupos multidisciplinarios con profesionales de las ciencias de Sociología, Demografía (Gerontología) en conjunto con profesionales de las áreas de Comunicación e Informática (Tecnología); teniendo como principal objetivo el Apoyo y Organización en los cuidados de los adultos mayores en los dominios de Vivienda y Actividades de la Vida Diaria.

Current demographic and epidemiological transitions being experienced by several regions in the world, including Mexico, are challenging the sustainability of health systems, leading to the development of new approaches to care for the elderly population. The core strategy is focused on healthy aging where increased life expectancy is free of disability. Gerontechnology intended to help reduce the problems of seniors that involve transitions of aging by supporting the implementation of the core strategy. Conducting rapid review in gerontechnology shows that the Netherlands and United States top the list of countries promoting research and gerontechnologic developments worldwide, with 14 and 10 publications respectively. Mexico contributes to the generation of knowledge in the field with one publication. Worldwide the trend is the generation of multidisciplinary groups with science professionals on Sociology, Demography (Gerontology) in conjunction with professionals in the areas of Communication and Information Technology (Technology); having as main objective the support and organization in care of the elderly in the domains of Housing and Activities of Daily Living.

A communicating branch between the dorsal and superficial ramus of the ulnar nerve (Kaplan's anastomosis): clinical and surgery discussion / Ramo comunicante entre los ramos dorsal y superficial del nervio ulnar (anastomosis de Kaplan): discusión clínica y quirúrgica

The Kaplan´s anastomosis represents the communication between the dorsal and superficial branch of the ulnar nerve distal to ulnar canal. In the present study, a case about this nerve communication, found in a male adult cadaver, is reported. Information about brachial plexus distal anastomosis is fundamental for interpretation of clinical and electrophysiological findings, in order to establish the precise diagnosis of neurological lesions at this level. Its relations with flexor carpi ulnaris muscle's tendon and with pisiform bone exposes it to iatrogenic lesions during surgery.

La anastomosis de Kaplan representa la comunicación entre la rama dorsal y superficial del nervio ulnar distal al canal ulnar. En el presente estudio se informa de un caso de esta comunicación nerviosa, encontrado en un cadáver adulto de sexo masculino. Información sobre el plexo braquial y sus anastomosis distales son fundamentales para la interpretación de los hallazgos clínicos y electrofisiológicos, a fin de establecer el diagnóstico preciso de las lesiones neurológicas a este nivel. Sus relaciones con el tendón del músculo flexor ulnar del carpo, como con el hueso pisiforme, pueden facilitar la ocurrencia de lesiones iatrogénicas durante la cirugía.

Tumor de Brenner maligno: caso clínico / Malignant Brenner tumor: clinical case

El tumor de Brenner es una neoplasia rara, que representa el 1-2 por ciento de las neoplasias de ovario. La mayoría son benignas, pero existe un pequeño porcentaje de casos de tumor de Brenner maligno, entre ellos el caso que se presenta. Se trata de una mujer de 41 años que presentó una tumoración ovárica cuyo resultado anatomopatológico fue de carcinoma pobremente diferenciado, con asociación de tumor tipo Brenner maligno. A pesar de ser diagnosticado en estadio precoz, este caso destaca por su mal pronóstico.

Brenner tumor is a rare neoplasia, accounting for 1-2 percent of ovarian cancer. Most of them are benign, but there are a small percentage of malignant Brenner tumors, including the case presented. This is a 41-year-old woman who presented an ovarian tumor. Definitive histological result showed a poorly differentiated carcinoma, with association of malignant Brenner tumor. Despite being diagnosed in early stages, this case stands out for its poor prognosis.

Integrated biological responses of zebrafish (Danio rerio) to analyze water quality in regions under anthropogenic influence.

This study analyzed water quality in regions around Patos lagoon (Southern Brazil) that are under anthropogenic pressure. Water samples were collected from five different sites, including one used as a source for human consumption (COR) and others known to be influenced by human activities (IP). Danio rerio (Teleostei, Cyprinidae) organisms were exposed for 24h to these water samples, plus a control group. It was observed that: (1) reactive oxygen species levels were lower in COR and IP than in the control group; (2) glutamate-cysteine ligase (catalytic subunit) expression was higher in COR than in other sites; (3) exposure to all water samples affected long-term memory (LTM) when compared to control group. Thus, some water samples possess the ability to modulate the antioxidant system and to induce a decline in cognitive functions, as measured by LTM. The obtained results indicate that a combination of variables of different organization level (molecular, biochemical and behavioral) can be employed to analyze water quality in impacted regions.

Tumores phyllodes de mama: clínica, tratamiento y pronóstico: Hospital Universitario de Canarias, España / Phyllodes tumor of the breast

El tumor Phyllodes de mama es un tumor poco frecuente que se engloba dentro de los tumores fibroepiteliales de mama, con un amplio abanico de presentación clínica y comportamiento biológico. Se clasifican en benignos, borderline o malignos, en base a factores histológicos. Las formas menos agresivas o benignas presentan un comportamiento similar al de los fibroadenomas, sin embargo las formas malignas suelen presentar un comportamiento más agresivo. El pronóstico de este tipo de tumor es favorable, con una recurrencia local del 15 por ciento de forma global y recurrencia a distancia entre 5-10 por ciento. El tratamiento se basa en la escisión quirúrgica de la lesión, acompañada de radioterapia e incluso quimioterapia en las formas más agresivas. Presentamos la revisión de 13 casos clínicos de esta entidad diagnosticados en nuestro centro entre 2001-2009.

Phyllodes tumor of the breast is a rare tumor, which is part of fibroepithelial breast tumors with a wide range of clinical presentation and biological behavior. They are classified into benign, borderline or malignant based on histologic factors. The less aggressive or benign forms show a more behavior to that of fibroade-nomas, but malignant forms usually show a more aggressive behavior. The prognosis of this tumor is favorable, with local recurrence in 15 percent overall and distant recurrence between 5-10 percent globally. The treatment relies on surgical excision of the lesion accompanied by radiotherapy and chemotherapy even in the most aggressive. We present a review of 13 cases of this entity diagnosed in our center between 2001-2009.

Water-balance response of Rhinella arenarum (Hensel, 1867) tadpoles to graduated increase in environmental osmolarity.

The water balance and the upper limit of osmotic tolerance of premetamorphic Rhinella arenarum larvae (Gosner's stage 26) was evaluated after semistatic incubation in electrolyte (NaCl) and non-electrolyte (mannitol) media following a protocol of progressively increased osmotic pressure. Wet and dry weights were measured to calculate the water content as a derived variable indicative of the hydric balance. Statistical analysis was performed using univariate and integrated multivariate analysis. Tadpoles survived in electrolyte and non-electrolyte solutions up to 200 mOsm. The discriminant function was the best tool to describe the responses of the animals to external environmental stress under experimental conditions. The results were compared with those obtained in previous studies using a protocol of acute exposure to the same media used in this study. It was concluded that a) multivariate analysis is an appropriate approach to describe the responses of tadpoles to changes in the environmental physicochemical parameters, and b) progressive and acute acclimation to the experimental solutions induced similar responses.

Hidrops fetal como manifestación ecográfica de una enfermedad familiar: incontinentia pigmenti (síndrome de bloch-sulzberger) / Hydrops fetalis as a echographic manifestations of a familial disease: incontinentia pigmenti (bloch-sulzberger syndrome)

Diagnóstico de un caso de enfermedad familiar a partir de un hidrops fetal. Gestante con 2 abortos previos ocurridos al inicio del segundo trimestre, ambos fetos masculinos. Se detecta en la semana 12 un higroma quístico en el contexto de un hidrops fetal. Estudio serológico (TORCH y parvovirus B12), con resultado negativo y biopsia corial con cariotipo 46 XY. La anamnesis y exploración detallada hacen sospechar una enfermedad ligada al cromosoma X, dado que la paciente y una hermana están afectas de una genodermatosis desde la infancia: Incontinentia Pigmenti.

We revealed a family disease by a fetal anomaly. The patient had a history of two early miscarriages of male fetuses. In the present pregnancy hydrops fetalis was demonstrated by routine ultrasound sean at 12 weeks. Serological tests were negative and chorionic villous sampling revealed normal karyotype, 46XY. We suspected a X-linked disease. Detailed family history leaded to the demonstration that the patient and a sister were affected of a rare genodermatosis: Incontinentia Pigmenti.

Seasonal and organ variations in antioxidant capacity, detoxifying competence and oxidative damage in freshwater and estuarine fishes from Southern Brazil.

This study analyzed biochemical biomarkers of freshwater and estuarine fish species from Southern Brazil. It analyzed three organs (muscle, liver and gills), in four fish species (Micropogonias furnieri, Pimelodus pintado, Loricariichthys anus and Parapimelodus nigribarbis) in order to perform an environmental diagnosis. Obtained results showed that liver of L. anus and gills of M. furnieri presented higher total antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals during fall, whereas a clear seasonality was found for gill reduced glutathione (GSH) levels of all studied species, with higher concentration during spring. In terms of oxidative damage (TBARS), liver of M. furnieri and gills of P. nigribarbis showed higher TBARS levels during fall, whereas P. pintado showed the lowest TBARS value. Finally, a conspicuous seasonal effect was observed for purified and non-purified glutathione-S-transferase (GST), where minimum values were registered during fall, pointing to this season as one where fish species are less competent to perform detoxifying reactions.

Ecotoxicological assessment for receiving waters with the premetamorphic tadpoles acute assay.

The toxicity of receiving waters was evaluated by means of the young tadpoles assays. The sentinel organism was Bufo arenarum, an indigenous anuran species. The assayed water samples were taken from a highly polluted urban watercourse (Reconquista River, Buenos Aires, Argentina), characterized by high concentration of nitrites, phosphates and heavy metals. The toxicity of water samples was assessed performing the pass-fail test and by means of the NOEC and LC(50); TUs (toxic units) were also calculated. The effect of the addition of a positive control (Cd) on the toxicity of the river water samples was also examined. Water samples of three sites, characterised by their different degree of pollution, were assayed. The lethal response had a clear cut correspondence with the water quality of the sample evaluated by means of physicochemical parameters. In most cases, the dilution of the samples resulted in a significant reduction of their toxicity to TU values compatible to those stated by the USEPA for industrial effluents. It was concluded that (a) the used Bufo arenarum bioassay was an adequate method for assessing the toxicity of natural polluted water samples and (b) the three considered endpoints showed no important differences after 48 or 96 h of exposure, therefore we concluded that it may not be necessary to extend the assay for a longer period than 48 h.

Freshwater pollution biomarker: response of brain acetylcholinesterase activity in two fish species.

The effect of prolonged exposure at two sites along the Reconquista River (Argentina), a highly polluted peri-urban water body, on brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE, EC 3.1.1.7, acetylcholine acetylhydrolase) of two teleosts was examined. Caged Cyprinus carpio and field-captured Cnesterodon decemmaculatus were used as sentinel organisms. Eserine concentration inhibiting 50% of AChE activity (IC50) and inhibition kinetic parameters were also evaluated. Interspecies IC50 differences were found to agree with observed kinetic parameters (KA, ki and kc), indicating that carps were more sensitive to eserine. Data obtained disclosed spatial differences and demonstrated the high sensitivity of AChE activity as an exposure biomarker. Marked species-related differences were detected, showing that enzyme determination of C. decemmaculatus is more effective in highly polluted sites. Considering the river water physicochemical profile, observed changes in AChE activities can be partly attributed to long-lasting raised concentrations of dissolved heavy metals.

Tadpoles assay: its application to a water toxicity assessment of a polluted urban river.

The acute toxicity assay with premetamorphic tadpoles of Bufo arenarum as sentinel organism was applied to evaluate the quality of two water samples taken from three sites of the Reconquista River, an urban watercourse which is recipient of both untreated industrial effluents and domestic wastes. The results of the 96 hr bioassays were compared with the physicochemical parameters determined in the samples. Mortality rates in each sample were compared using the Bonferroni's test and a stepwise regression analysis of mortality and physicochemical parameters was done. In this way, it was possible to build up consistent descriptive models which showed that pH, Cl- Cd2+ and Cu2+ concentrations in the river water were significant independent variables and might explain, under the experimental conditions, the recorded toxicity effects of the tested samples. Because of its simplicity, low cost and reliability it was suggested the tadpoles bioassay be included in the set of tests used in integrated program of freshwater pollution.

[Prevalence and sensitivity of Candida albicans in cultures obtained at an oncologic hospital]. / Prevalencia y sensibilidad de Candida albicans en cultivos obtenidos en un hospital oncológico.

BACKGROUND: Prevalence Candida infections have increased and oncologic patients have risk factors for contacting them. They are associated with a long hospital stay and high mortality rate. Candida resistance to antifungal drugs has been reported. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of Candida grown in cultures from oncologic patients. To identify isolated species and to determine C albicans sensitivity to antifungal drugs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During one year, different species of Candida spp. were isolated. They were inoculated in API-C-20 at 48 h. and cultivated in RPMI-1640. RESULTS: Cultures of 5,820 patients were collected, 66.68% from outpatients and 33% from hospitalized patients. Candida spp grew in 394 Candida albicans obtained from 81 cultures was the most frequent species (46.3%). One hundred were susceptible to Amphotericin B, 63% to Fluconazol, 59% to Ketoconazol and 31% to Itraconazol. Candidemia accounted for 24.6% of bloodstream infections. CONCLUSIONS: C. albicans had significant resistance to imidazoles and 100% were susceptible to Amphotericin B. Identification of species and susceptibility of Candida infections a useful tools because of the high proportion of Candida non-albicans species (53.7%). Candidemia accounted for 5.076% of the infections.

Biomarkers assessment in juvenile Cyprinus carpio exposed to waterborne cadmium.

The impact of long-term exposure to waterborne cadmium (Cd) on Cyprinus carpio was evaluated through changes of selected parameters considered as biomarkers of toxicity. Fish were exposed to 1.6 mg l(-1) Cd for 14 days and then transferred to Cd-free water for 19 days. The measured parameters were gill ATPases, brain acetylcholinesterase (AchE), liver glutamate oxaloacetate (GOT) and glutamate pyruvate (GPT) transaminases, muscle water content, and protein content of liver, gills and brain. Condition factor and liver somatic index were also calculated. Branchial ATPase activities were impaired in a dissimilar way: the (Na(+),K(+))-ATPases were inhibited by approximately 30%, while the Mg(2+)-ATPase was significantly activated by 70%. Brain AchE showed no changes after Cd exposure. Both liver GOT and GPT activities were increased by the metal by 63 and 98%. Water content of the skeletal muscle showed no significant alterations. After the 19-day recovery phase, changes in the Mg(2+)-ATPase and GPT were reversed to values similar to controls, but the Cd exposure resulted in an irreversible alteration in GOT activity. Results indicate that the sublethal Cd concentrations are stressful to carp, particularly with reference to branchial enzymes which may disrupt the osmotic and ionic balance of the animals.

Efficacy of triple therapy with PPI or H2 antagonist versus the elimination of helicobacter pylori

O Helicobacter pylori tem sido considerado importante fator nas doencas gastroduodenais e o esquema chamado triplice e o que mais se aceita no momento para a sua terapeutica. Neste estudo incluiram-se 14 pacientes portadores de gastrite cronica, 30 com ulcera gastrica e 16 com ulcera duodenal. Foram divididos em 2 grupos homogeneos para tratamento clinico, cada um com esquema bem definido: grupo A - claritromicina 250mg/2, tinidazol 250mg/2 e omeprazole 20mg em caso de gastrite e 40mg em caso de ulcera; grupo B - mesmos antibioticos e ranitidina respectivamente nas doses de 150 e 300mg. O periodo de tratamento foi de 7 dias para gastrites e 4 semanas para ulceras. Atraves de endoscopia e biopsia realizadas 30 dias depois do termino do tratamento, os 30 casos do grupo A tiveram erradicacao completa do Helicobacter pylori e cicatrizacao das ulceras. No grupo B, apenas 3 casos nao tiveram eliminacao do Helicobacter pylori. Concluiu-se que o uso de bloqueadores H2 no lugar de inibidores da bomba protonica tambem permite a obtencao de sucesso terapeutico

Neoplasias gástricas malignas: análisis radiológico retrospectivo con confirmación histológica / Malignant gastric neoplasms: retrospective radiological analysis with histological confirmation

Se realiza un análisis retrospectivo de los hallazgos radiológicos de los pacientes con diagnóstico de neoplasia gástrica maligna, operados entre enero de 1981 y diciembre de 1990, para determinar la eficacia del estudio radiológico seriado esófago gastroduodenal

Fibrohistiocitoma maligno tipo inflamatorio: patrón tomográfico atípico / Retroperitoneal malignant fibrous histiocytoma

Presentamos un caso de fibrohistiocitoma maligno tipo inflamatorio con un patrón tomográfico no descripto, mostrando valores densitométricos negativos