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A revision of Echeveria pringlei var. parva was made based on morphological and biogeographical comparisons. The results show that this taxon should be raised to the species level and that it belongs to E. ser. Nudae. Since the epithet parva is unavailable for use due to the existence of E. parva, E. flammigera is proposed as a new replacement name. An updated description of the taxon is provided, as well as a distribution map.

Aim Show the benefits of temporary closure with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) mesh associated with negative pressure therapy (NPT) in the management of catastrophic abdomen. Material & methods We present the case of a 74-year-old female who underwent emergency surgery for necrotising fasciitis of the abdominal wall and tertiary peritonitis after a vaginal hysterectomy and anterior colpoplasty, where the use of NPT combined with ePTFE mesh allowed gradual fascial traction until its complete closure (after ten days), restoring the functionality of the abdominal wall. Results Temporary abdominal wall closure using NPT with ePTFE mesh allows progressive fascial traction and early closure of the abdominal wall in cases of catastrophic abdomen with low complication rate. Conclusion Techniques for temporary abdominal wall closure have led to a significant mortality reduction in cases of complex abdomen. There are several techniques with unclear evidence as to which is optimal. The combined use of NPT with ePTFE mesh is a riveting alternative as it does not adhere to bowel serosa and the risk of eventrations and fistulas are less common.

Summary The nematode causing the green stem and foliar retention syndrome of soybean, Aphelenchoides besseyi, is a concern to Brazilian growers, especially in warm and humid climates, where losses can reach 60% of the yields. Management options have not yet been studied properly, but apparently genetic variability is found in soybean genotypes in the resistance to this nematode. However, the correct phenotyping of soybean genotypes is compromised by the scarcity of studies of this pathosystem. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the inoculum densities of A. besseyi and the plant ages at inoculation to obtain the correct phenotyping of soybean genotypes. Experiments were conducted under glasshouse conditions with the soybean ‘Elite’, using a completely randomised design and a factorial scheme (five nematode population densities: 150, 300, 600, 1200 and 2400 nematodes plant−1, and three plant ages at inoculation: 7, 12 and 17 days after planting). Evaluations were performed 35 days after inoculation, extracting nematodes from soil, roots and shoot parts of plants to obtain the final population of the nematodes of each replicate. The inoculum of 150-300 A. besseyi specimens per plant is the most suitable to assess the reaction of soybean genotypes to this nematode as it resulted in the greatest reproduction factors. Population densities higher than 1500 nematodes per plant could lead to misclassification of the host reaction because of the inconsistent reproduction factors obtained.

Graptopetalum trujilloi (subg. Glassia, Crassulaceae), a new haplostemonous species from San Gabriel municipality, Jalisco, Mexico is described and illustrated. Its morphologically closest species is G. rosanevadoense. It differs from the latter in having a smaller habit, more numerous primary branches per inflorescence, larger mean flower density per 10 cm of the scape, fewer flowers per basal branch, smaller flower diameter, petals greenish with transversal inconspicuous red stripes, narrower petals, filaments greenish to distally reddish and carpels abaxially obtuse. A key to the haplostemonous species of Graptopetalum is provided and, according to IUCN criteria, the species was assessed as critically endangered (CR).

Rosales-Martínez, C. Santiago, Hernández-Campos, J. Daniel (2023): Echeveria flammigera (Crassulaceae), a new name and status for E. pringlei var. parva. Phytotaxa 592 (2): 99-108, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.592.2.3, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-04-22-0755-PDN

Echeveria pringlei var. longisepala :— MEXICO. Jalisco: below and E of the mesa of San Andrés Cohamiata, on rocky SE ledge, Mezquitic, ca. 1800 m, 28 October 1987, J. Bauml & G. Voss 1932 (HNT!, MICH!)., Published as part of Rosales-Martínez, C. Santiago & Hernández-Campos, J. Daniel, 2023, Echeveria flammigera (Crassulaceae), a new name and status for E. pringlei var. parva, pp. 99-108 in Phytotaxa 592 (2) on page 106, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.592.2.3, http://zenodo.org/record/7840417

Echeveria multicaulis:— MEXICO. Guerrero: collected by E. W. Nelson and E. A. Goldman near Omiltemi, May 1903 (flowered in Washington in December 1903), Rose 628 (F!, GH!, US!); about 10 km west of Camotla, 2500 m, 1 December 1963, C. Feddema et al. 2798 (MICH!); an 8 km al NE de Puerto del Gallo camino a Filo de Caballo, 3000 m, 15 April 1982, E. Martínez 910 (MEXU!); Sierra de Campo Morado 5 km SW of Filo de Caballo, at jct. of roads to Chilpancingo and Atoyac, 18 January 1983, D. Neill 5356 (MEXU!); 15 km SO de Jilguero, 3100 m, 4 June 1983, T. P. Ramamoorthy et al. 4243 (MEXU!); Cerro Teotepec, 26 km al SO de El Jilguero, 3130 m, 17 August 1985, J. C. Soto & S. Román 10049 (MEXU!); a 200 m de Carrizalillo, 1 km al SO de Filo de Caballo, 2360 m, 2 December 1988, A. García et al. 4106 (MEXU!); Parque Omiltemi, 2514 m, 17°33’07.43”N 99°43’09.33”W, 27 August 2010, J. Reyes 6635 (MEXU!). Jalisco: ca. 6 km al S de Canutillo, sobre brecha a Mexiquillo, Tecalitlán, 2000 m, 21 October 1989, J. Villa et al. 117 (IBUG!); San Miguel de la Sierra, 35 km al oeste de Ayutla, alrededores de la cascada Salto de Roma, Ayutla, 2050 m, 20°06’30”N 104°36’08”W, 2 April 2011, A. Castro et al. 2395 (IBUG!). Michoacán: 500 m al NE de Dos Aguas, antena de microondas Chiqueritos, Aguililla, 2400 m, 1 November 2009, J. González et al. 404 (IBUG!)., Published as part of Rosales-Martínez, C. Santiago & Hernández-Campos, J. Daniel, 2023, Echeveria flammigera (Crassulaceae), a new name and status for E. pringlei var. parva, pp. 99-108 in Phytotaxa 592 (2) on page 105, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.592.2.3, http://zenodo.org/record/7840417

Echeveria pringlei var. pringlei :— MEXICO. Jalisco: dry shaded ledges of the barranca near Guadalajara, 28 November 1888, C. G. Pringle 1853 (F!, GH!, MEXU!, MICH!, NY!, PH!, RSA!, US!); Barranca de Guadalajara, 28/29 September 1903, J. N. Rose 870 (GH!, MEXU!); Barranca de Oblatos a ½ km de la entrada por el camino que conduce a los baños, Guadalajara, 1370 m, 14 November 1992, S. Guerrero et al. 473 (MEXU!, MICH!); Barranca de Colimilla, en cañada antes de la presa, Tonalá, 1300 m, 27 October 1993, M. Negrete et al. 65 (IBUG!, MEXU!); Barranca de Colimilla, en cañada antes de la presa, Tonalá, 1300 m, 6 November 1993, M. Negrete et al. 78 (TEX!, WIS!); Cañón de Matatlán, 3.3 km en línea recta al NO de Matatlán, Vereda de Las Cruces hacia El Agua Caliente, Zapotlanejo, 1400 m, 20°44’16”N 103°09’43”W, 11 July 2017, P. Carrillo et al. 8603 (IBUG!)., Published as part of Rosales-Martínez, C. Santiago & Hernández-Campos, J. Daniel, 2023, Echeveria flammigera (Crassulaceae), a new name and status for E. pringlei var. parva, pp. 99-108 in Phytotaxa 592 (2) on page 106, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.592.2.3, http://zenodo.org/record/7840417

Echeveria flammigera:— MEXICO. Durango: near Tayoltita, San Dimas, R. Spencer s.n. (HNT!); La Desmontada, 4.5 km al S, por el camino a Mala Noche, San Dimas, 2150 m, 7 March 1990, M. González 2388 (MEXU!)., Published as part of Rosales-Martínez, C. Santiago & Hernández-Campos, J. Daniel, 2023, Echeveria flammigera (Crassulaceae), a new name and status for E. pringlei var. parva, pp. 99-108 in Phytotaxa 592 (2) on page 105, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.592.2.3, http://zenodo.org/record/7840417

Cycling is one of the typical recreational activities, transportation, and sport among elderly adults in the Philippines. Based on the study, cycling provides many benefits to physical health, promotes well-being, contributes to improved quality of life, and is a great way for elderly adults to prevent depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. As cycling becomes more prevalent during pandemics, the road has changed to include adding more bicycle lanes. Thus, the researchers explore the lived experiences of senior cyclists, specifically: (1) to describe the experiences, (2) challenges, and (3) coping mechanisms. Correspondingly, the study used fifteen (15) participants in an Interpretative Phenomenology Analysis (IPA) procedure. The following findings are drawn from the study: (1) Most of the senior cyclists experienced life-threatening events while cycling, they experienced a high level of satisfaction and happiness, (2) Most senior cyclists are not bothered by the difficulties that others might view as a barrier to them continuing to pedal with passion. (3) Despite all the obstacles they may encounter, senior cyclists choose to get through those challenges by being understanding, patient, and calm.

UV-Vis spectroscopy and PL data show that structural incorporation of Eu3+ has an effect on the optical properties of CdSe QDs via energy transfer from host to dopant. This allows for QDs with tunable optical properties via numerous pathways.

To identify the acute hematological and biochemical changes induced by a Crossfit™ class, ten men were divided into CF group (N = 5) and control group (N = 5). Blood and urine were collected: pre-exercise (T1), after exercise (T2), and 12 post-exercise (T3). Blood cells, urea, cortisol, lactate, creatine Kinase (CK), and microalbuminuria (MAU) had measured. There was a record of handgrip strength (HGS), heart rate (HR), and systolic blood pressure (SBP), with the calculation of the double product (DP). MAU showed an increase in the order of 14,000%, with a return to normal (T3). The DP increased 83% in response to exercise, and this increase seems to be due to HR, which increased 76%. Cortisol and lactate showed an acute increase induced by the method, 47% for cortisol and 874% for lactate, respectively, with recovery less than 12 hours. The correlations between the study variables represent a future perspective for studies in sports medicine. The acute excretion of proteins by the kidneys in an acute way, already in the first exercise session, can in the long-term cause damage to this organ. MAU presented itself as more indicated than urea, the most usual renal marker. Para identificar as alterações hematológicas e bioquímicas agudas induzidas por uma aula Crossfit™, dez homens foram divididos em grupo CF (N = 5) e grupo controle (N = 5). Foram coletados sangue e urina: pré-exercício (T1), pós-exercício (T2) e 12 pós-exercício (T3). Células sanguíneas, uréia, cortisol, lactato, creatina quinase (CK) e microalbuminúria (MAU) foram medidos. Houve registro da força de preensão manual (FPM), frequência cardíaca (FC) e pressão arterial sistólica (PAS), com o cálculo do duplo produto (DP). A MAU apresentou aumento da ordem de 14.000%, com retorno ao normal (T3). O DP aumentou 83% em resposta ao exercício, e esse aumento parece ser devido à FC, que aumentou 76%. O cortisol e o lactato apresentaram aumento agudo induzido pelo método, 47% para o cortisol e 874% para o lactato, respectivamente, com recuperação inferior a 12 horas. As correlações entre as variáveis ​​de estudo representam uma perspectiva futura para os estudos em medicina do esporte. A excreção aguda de proteínas pelos rins de forma aguda, já na primeira sessão de exercícios, pode, a longo prazo, causar danos a esse órgão. O MAU apresentou-se mais indicado que a ureia, o marcador renal mais usual.

Medicaid reimbursements for physician services are determined by each state. However, how these reimbursements vary between states, and how these reimbursements vary in comparison to Medicare reimbursements is unknown for musculoskeletal radiology studies.To evaluate the variability in Medicaid and Medicare physician reimbursements for musculoskeletal imaging studies between states.We evaluated the Medicare and Medicaid physician reimbursements for the most commonly performed musculoskeletal radiology studies (15 radiographs and 10 MRIs) based on Medicare's 2017 National Summary Data File. Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements for these studies were compared by dollar difference (difference in reimbursement in dollars between Medicare and Medicaid). State-wide variability in these reimbursements was quantified by the coefficient of variation (COV) and by the dollar difference in reimbursement amounts. Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement rates were compared using a paired t-test, since the data was paired by state.The mean Medicaid reimbursement rates were lower for musculoskeletal radiographs (p 0.05) but higher for musculoskeletal MRI studies than the Medicare rates (p 0.05). As hypothesized, there was variation in both Medicare and Medicaid imaging reimbursements between states, however, the variation was substantially higher for Medicaid reimbursements. We found the Medicare reimbursement COV between states was 0.07 for all imaging studies, whereas the Medicaid reimbursement COV between states varied from 0.23 to 0.55 for radiographs and from 0.31 to 0.45 for MRIs.The data show that there is mild, but constant variation across imaging studies in Medicare reimbursement for musculoskeletal imaging studies between states. However, there is more variation in the Medicaid reimbursements across imaging studies and between states. More appropriate reimbursement may increase access to care for Medicaid patients.

Helicoverpa zea is a major target pest of Bt corn and Bt cotton. Field-evolved resistance of H. zea to Cry1 and Cry2 proteins has been widely reported in the United States. Understanding the frequency of resistance alleles in a target insect is critical for Bt resistance management. Despite multiple cases of practical resistance to Cry proteins having been documented in H. zea, there are no data on the current status of alleles conferring resistance to Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab2 in field populations of this pest. During 2018-2019, a total of 106 F2 families for Cry1Ac and 120 F2 families for Cry2Ab2 were established using mass mating and light trap strategy. We screened 13,568 and 15,360 neonates using a discriminatory dose of Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab2, respectively. The results showed that 93.4% and 35.0% of the F2 families could survive on the discriminatory dose of Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab2, respectively. The estimated resistance allele frequency for Cry1Ac in H. zea ranged from 0.4150 to 0.4975 and for Cry2Ab2 ranged from 0.1097 and 0.1228. These data indicate that the frequency of alleles conferring resistance to Cry1 and Cry2 proteins in H. zea in Texas are high. In addition, our data suggest the resistance to Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab2 in the screened families of H. zea varies from recessive to dominant. The information in this study provides precise estimates of Cry resistance allele frequencies in H. zea and increases our understanding of the risks to the sustainability of Bt crops.

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Our objective is to establish a proteomic protein labeling method from tumor tissue and blood samples obtained from patients undergoing surgery for pancreatic cancer in Puerto Rico. Our goal is to discover potential biomarkers in the patient tumor/blood samples that are not expressed in normal control samples obtained from potential organ donors. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: A pilot study with ten patients undergoing surgery for pancreatic cancer will obtain tumor tissue and blood samples. Protein extracts isolated from tissue/cells will be reduced, alkylated, and digested overnight. Samples will be labeled with TMT reagents and mixed before fractionation and cleanup. Labeled samples will be analyzed with a high-resolution Orbitrap LC-MS/MS before data analysis to identify peptides and quantify the reporter ions. The altered proteins will be analyzed by ELISA to confirm their presence. The protein arrangements will be compared with results from proteomic profile banks to assess their prevalence. As controls, parallel protein analyses will be performed on normal tissue/blood samples from organ donors, facilitated by our local organ procurement organization. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: We anticipate finding proteogenomic material defining PC and new proteomic subtypes not previously described in this population. In addition, studying protein overexpression and underexpression can identify relevant genes and potential biomarkers. We hypothesize that PC in the Hispanic population will show slight variations in tumor protein expression than in other populations, which could lead to the discovery of a new Hispanic-specific biomarker. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: We expect to provide essential information that will influence the next steps in developing future screening tests. Identifying specific proteins with the potential to become a preventive test should eventually lead to a reduction in morbidity and mortality of PC. The results of this work should lay the foundation that can guide future research.

Agave infiernilloensis Etter, Kristen, Rosales & A.Vázquez, sp. nov. (Figs. 1–3). Diagnosis: Agave infiernilloensis shares with A. gypsicola a similar leaf shape and flower type (choritepalous), however, it differs from the latter in having larger rosettes, larger pale green to yellowish-green leaves, shorter and recurving inflorescence, shorter terminal spines, more flowers per node and longer ovaries (Table 1). Type: — MEXICO: Michoacán, municipality of Múgica, Mex 37 D Nueva Italia – Uruapan, near the Francisco J. Múgica Dam, on cliffs of igneous rocks of west exposure of the northern side of Puente Begoña (barranca Begoña), 338 m, 19°01’53.82’’N, 102°03’11.08’’W, over rocky outcrops in tropical dry forest, 21 December 2020 (fl), J. Etter and M. Kristen 4775 (holotype: IBUG!, isotypes: CIMI!, IEB!). Plants perennial, acaulescent, single, symmetrical; rosettes open, 170–210 cm diameter, 115–120 (–150) cm in height, not offsetting. Leaves 18–24 (–30) per rosette, (75–) 100–125 × 36–42 (–49) cm, widely ovate, narrowed at the base of 17–22 × 6–10 cm, deeply channeled at the widest part in the proximal 1/2–2/3 of leaf length, arching outside towards the apex, abaxially pale bluish-green to glaucous-gray, showing leaf imprint from newer leaves, adaxially pale green to yellowish green or light bluish-glaucous, sometimes with waxy sheen, fibrous and succulent; leaf margin nearly smooth to finely denticulate, whitish to pale yellowish in young leaves, reddish-brown in older leaves; denticles usually 3–6 per cm, 1–1.5 × 1–1.5 mm, of the same color as the margin or grayish in older leaves; terminal spine 5–6 mm or inconspicuous, reddish-brown, sometimes drying fast. Inflorescence spiciform, 230–380 × 19.6 cm, recurving, peduncle, 65–80 × 4.5–5.5 cm in diameter at the base, bracts of the peduncle long linear with a deltoid base, fertile part 165–300 cm long, densely flowered, with multiple nodes; peduncle of node 5–7 mm long, pedicels 7–9 mm long, flower bractlets inconspicuous, ca. 2 mm long, triangular, united at the proximal 1/3–1/2 of the pedicel length; flowers 3–4 per node, 40–50 mm long, protandrous; tube absent, replaced by a discoid receptacle; tepals distinct, recurving slightly hooded at the tips, creamy to greenish-white, usually lighter towards the border; ovary 24 mm long, green, oblong, neck constricted; filaments 39–47 mm long, white, greenish at the proximal part; anthers 1.4–1.5; style shorter than the filaments during the male phase, 31–33 mm long, elongating as long as the filaments or longer during the female phase; stigma capitate; capsules ellipsoid, 2.3–2.6 × 0.8–1.1 cm, constricted at the base and apex, tip apiculate, peduncle of node 1.2–1.3 cm long, pedicels 1–1.2 cm long; seeds 4–5 × 3–4 mm, lunulate, black. Distribution and ecology: — Agave infiernilloensis is known only from extrusive igneous outcrops around Presa Infiernillo, in the Zicuirán-Infiernillo Biosphere Reserve, and Presa Francisco J. Múgica, 4 km east of Nueva Italia, both localities in the state of Michoacán within the Balsas Basin biogeographic province. Its occurrence is confirmed by examining photographic or living material from four municipalities:Arteaga, Churumuco, La Huacana, and Múgica. These occurrences, vouchered by photographs, will soon be available at www.agavaceae.com (Etter & Kristen 1997). Populations from La Salada (Nelson 6923) and Tuzantla presumably correspond to this species. It grows in the tropical deciduous forest at an elevation of 340–700 m, with Agave angustiarum Trel. in Standley (1920: 139), Backebergia militaris (Audot 1845: 307) Bravo ex Sánchez-Mejorada (1973: 174), Bursera spp., Ferocactus lindsayi Bravo-Hollis (1966: 9), Hechtia glauca Burt-Utley & Utley (1993: 220), Opuntia spp., Plumeria rubra Linnaeus (1753: 209), Stenocereus spp., Selenicereus murrillii Britton & Rose (1920: 206), and others. Flowering from November to January and fruiting from May to June. Etymology and ethnobotany: —The species is named after Presa Infiernillo (“Little Hell”), also known as Presa Adolfo López Mateos, located between the states of Michoacán and Guerrero, where the species was first found on rocky outcrops of steep slopes. It is locally known as “maguey silvestre” (wild agave) or “flor de laja” (flagstone flower). The fibers of the shaft are used to produce “cintos piteados”, embroidered belts. The species has potential as an ornamental in dry tropical areas. Conservation status: — Agave infiernilloensis was assessed as Endangered (EN); it is extremely abundant but restricted to few locations (EOO of 848.72 km 2 and AOO of 24.00 km 2), meeting the criteria B1 and B2. Additional specimens examined: — The specimens from MÉXICO: Michoacán, La Salada, 15–22 March 1903 (capsules), Nelson 6923 (NY, US) presumably correspond to this species; further fieldwork is needed on this population to obtain flowering material., Published as part of Etter, Julia, Kristen, Martin, Rosales-Martínez, C. Santiago & Vázquezgarcía, J. Antonio, 2022, Agave infiernilloensis (sect. Choritepalae, Asparagaceae), a gigantic new species from the Balsas Basin in Western Mexico, pp. 208-220 in Phytotaxa 564 (2) on pages 211-215, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.564.2.4, http://zenodo.org/record/7087164, {"references":["Etter, J. & Kristen, M. (1997) The Agavaceae database. Available from: http: // www. agavaceae. com (accessed 3 November 2021).","Standley, P. C. (1920) Trees and shrubs of Mexico. Contributions from the United States National Herbarium 23: 1 - 170.","Sanchez-Mejorada, H. (1973) The correct name of the Grenadier's Cap. Cactus and Succulent Journal 45: 171 - 174.","Bravo-Hollis, H. (1966) Ferocactus lindsayi, a new species. Cactaceas y Suculentas Mexicanas 11: 9 - 12.","Linnaeus, C. (1753) Species Plantarum 1. Impensis Laurentii Salvii, Holmiae, 560 pp. https: // doi. org / 10.5962 / bhl. title. 669","Britton, N. L. & Rose, J. N. (1920) The Cactaceae. Descriptions and illustrations of plants of the cactus family, Vol. 2. Carnegie Institute, Washington, 248 pp."]}

Etter, Julia, Kristen, Martin, Rosales-Martínez, C. Santiago, Vázquezgarcía, J. Antonio (2022): Agave infiernilloensis (sect. Choritepalae, Asparagaceae), a gigantic new species from the Balsas Basin in Western Mexico. Phytotaxa 564 (2): 208-220, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.564.2.4

Agave infiernilloensis Etter, Kristen, Rosales & A.Vázquez, sp. nov. (Figs. 1–3). Diagnosis: Agave infiernilloensis shares with A. gypsicola a similar leaf shape and flower type (choritepalous), however, it differs from the latter in having larger rosettes, larger pale green to yellowish-green leaves, shorter and recurving inflorescence, shorter terminal spines, more flowers per node and longer ovaries (Table 1). Type: — MEXICO: Michoacán, municipality of Múgica, Mex 37 D Nueva Italia – Uruapan, near the Francisco J. Múgica Dam, on cliffs of igneous rocks of west exposure of the northern side of Puente Begoña (barranca Begoña), 338 m, 19°01’53.82’’N, 102°03’11.08’’W, over rocky outcrops in tropical dry forest, 21 December 2020 (fl), J. Etter and M. Kristen 4775 (holotype: IBUG!, isotypes: CIMI!, IEB!). Plants perennial, acaulescent, single, symmetrical; rosettes open, 170–210 cm diameter, 115–120 (–150) cm in height, not offsetting. Leaves 18–24 (–30) per rosette, (75–) 100–125 × 36–42 (–49) cm, widely ovate, narrowed at the base of 17–22 × 6–10 cm, deeply channeled at the widest part in the proximal 1/2–2/3 of leaf length, arching outside towards the apex, abaxially pale bluish-green to glaucous-gray, showing leaf imprint from newer leaves, adaxially pale green to yellowish green or light bluish-glaucous, sometimes with waxy sheen, fibrous and succulent; leaf margin nearly smooth to finely denticulate, whitish to pale yellowish in young leaves, reddish-brown in older leaves; denticles usually 3–6 per cm, 1–1.5 × 1–1.5 mm, of the same color as the margin or grayish in older leaves; terminal spine 5–6 mm or inconspicuous, reddish-brown, sometimes drying fast. Inflorescence spiciform, 230–380 × 19.6 cm, recurving, peduncle, 65–80 × 4.5–5.5 cm in diameter at the base, bracts of the peduncle long linear with a deltoid base, fertile part 165–300 cm long, densely flowered, with multiple nodes; peduncle of node 5–7 mm long, pedicels 7–9 mm long, flower bractlets inconspicuous, ca. 2 mm long, triangular, united at the proximal 1/3–1/2 of the pedicel length; flowers 3–4 per node, 40–50 mm long, protandrous; tube absent, replaced by a discoid receptacle; tepals distinct, recurving slightly hooded at the tips, creamy to greenish-white, usually lighter towards the border; ovary 24 mm long, green, oblong, neck constricted; filaments 39–47 mm long, white, greenish at the proximal part; anthers 1.4–1.5; style shorter than the filaments during the male phase, 31–33 mm long, elongating as long as the filaments or longer during the female phase; stigma capitate; capsules ellipsoid, 2.3–2.6 × 0.8–1.1 cm, constricted at the base and apex, tip apiculate, peduncle of node 1.2–1.3 cm long, pedicels 1–1.2 cm long; seeds 4–5 × 3–4 mm, lunulate, black. Distribution and ecology: — Agave infiernilloensis is known only from extrusive igneous outcrops around Presa Infiernillo, in the Zicuirán-Infiernillo Biosphere Reserve, and Presa Francisco J. Múgica, 4 km east of Nueva Italia, both localities in the state of Michoacán within the Balsas Basin biogeographic province. Its occurrence is confirmed by examining photographic or living material from four municipalities:Arteaga, Churumuco, La Huacana, and Múgica. These occurrences, vouchered by photographs, will soon be available at www.agavaceae.com (Etter & Kristen 1997). Populations from La Salada (Nelson 6923) and Tuzantla presumably correspond to this species. It grows in the tropical deciduous forest at an elevation of 340–700 m, with Agave angustiarum Trel. in Standley (1920: 139), Backebergia militaris (Audot 1845: 307) Bravo ex Sánchez-Mejorada (1973: 174), Bursera spp., Ferocactus lindsayi Bravo-Hollis (1966: 9), Hechtia glauca Burt-Utley & Utley (1993: 220), Opuntia spp., Plumeria rubra Linnaeus (1753: 209), Stenocereus spp., Selenicereus murrillii Britton & Rose (1920: 206), and others. Flowering from November to January and fruiting from May to June. Etymology and ethnobotany: —The species is named after Presa Infiernillo (“Little Hell”), also known as Presa Adolfo López Mateos, located between the states of Michoacán and Guerrero, where the species was first found on rocky outcrops of steep slopes. It is locally known as “maguey silvestre” (wild agave) or “flor de laja” (flagstone flower). The fibers of the shaft are used to produce “cintos piteados”, embroidered belts. The species has potential as an ornamental in dry tropical areas. Conservation status: — Agave infiernilloensis was assessed as Endangered (EN); it is extremely abundant but restricted to few locations (EOO of 848.72 km 2 and AOO of 24.00 km 2), meeting the criteria B1 and B2. Additional specimens examined: — The specimens from MÉXICO: Michoacán, La Salada, 15–22 March 1903 (capsules), Nelson 6923 (NY, US) presumably correspond to this species; further fieldwork is needed on this population to obtain flowering material.

Key to Agave species of the Agave sect. Choritepalae: 1. Leaves without teeth or terminal spines, filaments> 50 mm........................................................................................................... 5 1. Leaves with teeth and terminal spines; filaments A. infiernilloensis Etter, Kristen, Rosales & A.Vázquez 2. Leaves 30–60 × 14–26 cm................................................................................................................................................................ 3 3. Robust purple inflorescence, rachis with dense purple bracts; Querétaro and San Luis Potosí.................................................................................................................................................................................................... A. muxii Zamudio & G. Aguilar-Gutiérrez 3. Slime yellow inflorescence, rachis with green bracts...................................................................................................................... 4 4. Rosettes with 20–40 leaves, which are broadly ovate to semi orbiculate, glaucous to glaucous-yellowish, 1.8–2.5 times longer than wide; spine 2.5–5 cm; Tlaxiaco, Oaxaca........................................................................ A. gypsicola García-Mend. & D. Sandoval 4. Rosettes with 9–16 leaves, which are broadly lanceolate, occasionally ovate, glaucous, with transversal stripes, 2.5–5.0 times longer than wide; spine 0.6–0.8(–1.5) cm; Tehuantepec, Oaxaca..................................................................... A. guiengola Gentry 5. Rosettes with epigeous offsets; leaves narrow (3–4 cm), widest at the base; flowers white to pale yellowish; mainly Sierra Madre Oriental, Coahuila and Nuevo León.......................................................................................... A. bracteosa S. Watson ex Engelm. 5. Rosettes with hypogeous offsets; leaves broad (15–20 cm), widest in the middle; flowers greenish yellow; Sierra Mazateca, Oaxaca and Sierra Zongolica, Veracruz..................................................................................................... A. ellemeetiana K. Koch, Published as part of Etter, Julia, Kristen, Martin, Rosales-Martínez, C. Santiago & Vázquezgarcía, J. Antonio, 2022, Agave infiernilloensis (sect. Choritepalae, Asparagaceae), a gigantic new species from the Balsas Basin in Western Mexico, pp. 208-220 in Phytotaxa 564 (2) on pages 216-217, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.564.2.4, http://zenodo.org/record/7087164

The sugarcane cystatin (CaneCPI-5) was recently cloned and showed strong binding force to dental enamel and protection against initial erosion. However, evaluations on its safety and efficacy in a situation closer to the clinical condition are necessary. In the present study we analyzed 1) the cytotoxicity of CaneCPI-5 on human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs); 2) the ability of CaneCPI-5 to reduce enamel erosion and erosion+abrasion in situ. In part 1, HGFs were treated with CaneCPI-5 (0.025, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5 or 1.0 mg/mL) or no treatment (control). The cytotoxicity was assessed after 60 s and 24 h by mitochondrial activity (MTT), confocal microscopy, and hematoxylin/eosin staining. In part 2, 15 volunteers participated in a double-blind crossover protocol consisting of 3 phases, according to the following treatments: 1) 0.1 mg/mL CaneCPI-5; 2) SnCl2/NaF/AmF (Elmex; positive control); 3) water (negative control). The volunteers wore an appliance containing 4 bovine enamel specimens for 5 d. Each day, the specimens were individually treated with 50 µL of the tested solutions per 60 s and then subjected to erosive challenges (0.1% citric acid, pH 2.5, for 90 s, 4 times per day). After the first and last erosive challenge each day, 2 samples were abraded (toothbrushing, 15 s). Enamel wear was measured by contact profilometry. One or two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA)/Tukey’s or Sidak’s tests ( P < 0.05) were applied. Regardless of the concentration and the experimental time, CaneCPI-5 did not decrease the cell viability compared to the negative control ( P < 0.05). Erosion+abrasion led to significantly greater wear compared to erosion only. For both conditions, the lowest wear was found for SnCl2 and CaneCPI-5, which did not differ significantly from each other, but showed significant protection when compared to the negative control. In conclusion, CaneCPI-5 is safe on HGFs and reduces enamel erosive wear to the same extent as a commercial solution used to control erosive tooth wear (ETW).

Margaritaria nobilis L.f. (Phyllanthaceae), a native Brazilian tree occurring mainly in the Amazon, is used in folk medicine for the treatment of abscesses (bark) and cancer-like symptoms (leaves). The present study evaluates the safety of its acute oral administration and its effects on nociception and plasma leakage. The chemical constitution of the leaf’s ethanolic extract is determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-MS. Its acute oral toxicity is evaluated in female rats at a dose of 2000 mg/kg, evaluating the occurrence of deaths and Hippocratic, behavioral, hematological, biochemical, and histopathological changes, as well as food and water consumption and weight gain. Antinociceptive activity is evaluated in male mice with acetic-acid-induced peritonitis (APT) and formalin (FT) tests. An open field (OF) test is performed to verify possible interferences in the animals’ consciousness or locomotion. LC-MS analysis shows the presence of 44 compounds classified as phenolic acid derivatives, flavonoids and O-glycosylated derivatives, and hydrolyzable tannins. No deaths or significant behavioral, histological, or biochemical changes are observed in the toxicity assessment. In nociception tests, M. nobilis extract significantly reduces abdominal contortions in APT, demonstrating selectivity for inflammatory components (FT second phase), not interfering in neuropathic components (FT first phase) or consciousness and locomotion levels in OF. Additionally, M. nobilis extract inhibits plasma acetic-acid-induced leakage. These data demonstrate the low toxicity of M. nobilis ethanolic extract, as well as its effectiveness in modulating inflammatory nociception and plasma leakage, possibly related to the flavonoids and tannins present in its composition.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assesses pulmonary hypoplasia in fetal congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Neonatal mortality may occur with CDH. To quantify MRI parameters associated with neonatal survival in fetuses with isolated CDH. Fetal MRI for assessing CDH included region of interest (ROI) measurements for total lung volume (TLV), herniated liver volume, herniated other organ volume and predicted lung volume. Ratios of observed lung volume and liver up volume to predicted lung volume (observed to predicted TLV, percentage of the thorax occupied by liver) were calculated and compared to neonatal outcomes. Analyses included Wilcoxon rank sum test, multivariate logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Of 61 studies, the median observed to predicted TLV was 0.25 in survivors and 0.16 in non-survivors (P=0.001) with CDH. The median percentage of the thorax occupied by liver was 0.02 in survivors and 0.22 in non-survivors (P 28 weeks was greater compared to GA ≤28 weeks. The ROC analysis demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.96 (95% confidence interval 0.91–1.00) for the combined observed to predicted TLV, percentage of the thorax occupied by liver and GA. The percentage of the thorax occupied by liver and observed to predicted TLV was predictive of neonatal survival in fetuses with CDH.

Etter, Julia, Vázquez-García, J. Antonio, Rosales-Martínez, C. Santiago (2022): Graptopetalum kristenii (subg. Glassia, Crassulaceae), a new haplostemonous species from Michoacán, Mexico. Phytotaxa 555 (2): 136-146, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.555.2.2

Graptopetalum kristenii Etter, A.Vázquez & Rosales sp. nov. Figs. 3–5. Type: — MEXICO. Michoacán: municipality of Coalcomán, SW of San Acamitán, shady cliffs along Río Coalcomán in tropical deciduous forest, 20 March 2013, J . Etter & M. Kristen 3764 (Holotype IBUG!; isotype CIMI!). Diagnosis: — Graptopetalum kristenii is similar to G. pentandrum, but it differs from the latter in rosette diameter 3.4–5.0 vs. 6.0–8.0 cm; leaf broadly oblong vs. obovate; basal branch with fewer flowers than in the rest of branches vs. with an overlapping number of flowers with respect to the rest of branches; flower diameter 12.5–15.0 vs. 17.0–19.0 mm; petal width 2.2–2.6 vs. 1.7–1.8 mm; and petal color pattern white with conspicuous red stains along vs. white to yellowish, with a rhomboid dark red stain in the upper half of the petal. Description: —Plants perennial, caulescent, cespitose-ramose, sometimes forming dense groups, branching basally and rarely from the upper parts of the stem, 8.0–30.0 cm tall without scape; stems 2.5–3.5 mm in diam. at the base, erect at first, later decumbent to pendant, surface smooth, green-brownish to grayish, pinkish to green-glaucous from a short segment below the rosette upwards, with prominent, circular, green-brownish scars, 1.0– 1.5 mm in diam., the tips grayish; rosettes terminal, 4.0–8.0 × 3.4–5.0 cm, sometimes with somewhat scattered leaves but compact to the apex; leaves 15–30 per rosette, 1.4–2.7 × 0.7–1.3 cm, broadly oblong, straight to sometimes incurved, shortly acuminate, base obtuse, apex with a small mucro 1–2 × 1–1.5 mm, usually inclined upwards, adaxially slightly concave, abaxially convex, 4.0– 4.5 mm thick, the thickest part near the middle, greenish to glaucous-pinkish, sometimes with a different darker pinkish to purplish tonality towards the apex, somewhat pruinose, glabrous; inflorescence a paniculate cyme, 19.0–28.0 cm long; peduncle 2.0– 2.5 mm thick at the base, gray-bluish to pinkish; peduncle bracts oblong-obovate or lanceolate to elliptic, the basal 10.0–13.0 × 4.0–7.0 mm, gradually smaller upwards to 4.0–7.0 × 2.0–4.0 mm, those below the branches 2.0–4.0 × 1.0–2.0 mm; fertile part with 3–4 primary branches, with 15–24 flowers per inflorescence; primary branches 2.0–6.0 cm, with irregularly scattered bractlets, somewhat zig-zag shaped, the basal usually simple, with 3–4 flowers, the rest mostly bifurcate, with 4–7 flowers each; pedicels variable in length, 6.0–11.0 mm long, same color as the peduncle or reddish; flowers pentamerous, 12.5–15.0 mm in diameter; sepals subequal, 2.4–2.7 mm long, lanceolate, same color as the leaves; petals subequal, forming a 2.4–2.9 mm long tube, the lobes 4.9–6.2 × 2.2–2.6 mm at the widest part near the base, triangular, shortly acuminate, bending back, white with conspicuous red stains along, with a shallow middle-groove along; stamens 5, antesepalous, ca. 6.0–7.0 × 0.3–0.5 mm, erect at first, later curving outside, white-pinkish, reddish in the upper half, base adnate to corolla tube; anthers rounded, white; gynoecium protruding from the corolla, ca. 6.0–7.0 × 3.5 mm, creamish-yellow to yellow-greenish, obovate, carpels abaxially obtuse; styles ca. 1 mm long, erect, reddened. Distribution and ecology: —So far, Graptopetalum kristenii is known only from a single population in the Sierra de Coalcomán, Michoacán. It grows in tropical deciduous forest on rocky vertical slopes along a small portion of the Río Coalcomán at an elevation between 700–800 m with Agave andreae, Anthurium halmoorei Croat (1983: 301), Bursera spp., Epidendrum ciliare Linnaeus (1759: 1246), Mammillaria sp., Oncidium leleui Jiménez-Machorro & Soto-Arenas (1990: 58), Opuntia sp., Philodendron warszewiczii K.Koch & C.D.Bouché in Braun et al. (1855: 4), Pittocaulon hintonii Robinson & Brettell (1973: 452), Pseudobombax sp., Selenicereus murrillii Britton & Rose (1920: 206), Tillandsia spp., and others. Phenology: —The development of the inflorescences starts to be evident during the first pair of months of the year. The anthesis occurs between early March and early April. Eponymy: —The specific epithet honors Martin Kristen, an outstanding explorer, horticulturist, and succulent expert, whose work contributed to the discovery of some new species of Asparagaceae and Crassulaceae, including the one described here. Conservation status: —We assessed the new species as critically endangered (CR) based on the criteria B1ab. The Extent of Occurrence was 10.0 km 2 and the Area of Occupancy was 4.0 km 2. A population reduction is expected due to deforestation for agriculture and due to climate change, which could cause more severe natural disasters and alter the microclimate of this fragile habitat. Also, the species is known from a single population within an area of less than 10 km 2., Published as part of Etter, Julia, Vázquez-García, J. Antonio & Rosales-Martínez, C. Santiago, 2022, Graptopetalum kristenii (subg. Glassia, Crassulaceae), a new haplostemonous species from Michoacán, Mexico, pp. 136-146 in Phytotaxa 555 (2) on pages 140-144, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.555.2.2, http://zenodo.org/record/6875940, {"references":["Croat, T. B. (1983) A revision of the genus Anthurium (Araceae) of Mexico and Central America. Part I: Mexico and Middle America. Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden 70: 211 - 420. https: // doi. org / 10.2307 / 2399049","Linnaeus, C. (1759) Epidendrum ciliare. Systema Naturae, Editio Decima 2: 1246.","Jimenez-Machorro, R. & Soto-Arenas, M. A. (1990) Oncidium leleui, una nueva especie de la costa pacifica mexicana. Orquidea (Mexico City) 12: 57 - 64.","Braun, A. C. H., Bouche, C. D. & Klotzsch, J. F. (1855) Appendix Generum et Specierum Novarum et Minus Cognitarum quae in Horto Regio Botanico Berolinensi Coluntur. Index Seminum in Horto Botanico Berolinensi, 589 pp.","Robinson, H. & Brettell, R. D. (1973) Studies in the Senecioneae (Asteraceae). I. The genus Pittocaulon. Phytologia 26: 451 - 453.","Britton, N. L. & Rose, J. N. (1920) The Cactaceae. Descriptions and illustrations of plants of the cactus family, Vol. 2. Carnegie Institute, Washington, 248 pp."]}

Evaluating the frequency of resistance alleles is important for resistance management and sustainable use of transgenic crops that produce insecticidal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis. Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a major crop pest in the United States that has evolved practical resistance to the crystalline (Cry) proteins in Bt corn and cotton. The standard F2 screen for estimating resistance allele frequency does not work well for H. zea because successful single-pair matings are rare. In this study, we developed and implemented a modified F2 screen for H. zea that generates F1 progeny by crossing three laboratory susceptible female moths with one feral male moth instead of single-pair crosses. During 2019–2020, we used this modified method to establish 192 F2 families from 623 matings between susceptible females and feral males from Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. From each F2 family, we screened 128 neonates against discriminating concentrations of Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab in diet overlay bioassays. Based on these discriminating concentration bioassays, families were considered positive for resistance if at least five larvae survived to second instar, including at least one to third instar. The percentage of positive families was 92.7% for Cry1Ac and 38.5% for Cry2Ab, which yields an estimated resistance allele frequency (with 95% confidence interval) of 0.722 (0.688–0.764) for Cry1Ac and 0.217 (0.179–0.261) for Cry2Ab. The modified F2 screen developed and implemented here may be useful for future resistance monitoring studies of H. zea and other pests.

Neurogenesis is a biological process characterized by new neurons formation from stem cells. For decades, it was believed that neurons only multiplied during development and in the postnatal period but the discovery of neural stem cells (NSCs) in mature brain promoted a revolution in neuroscience field. In mammals, neurogenesis consists of migration, differentiation, maturation, as well as functional integration of newborn cells into the pre-existing neuronal circuit. Actually, NSC density drops significantly after the first stages of development, however in specific places in the brain, called neurogenic niches, some of these cells retain their ability to generate new neurons and glial cells in adulthood. The subgranular (SGZ), and the subventricular zones (SVZ) are examples of regions where the neurogenesis process occurs in the mature brain. There, the potential of NSCs to produce new neurons has been explored by new advanced methodologies and in neuroscience for the treatment of brain damage and/or degeneration. Based on that, this review highlights endogenous factors and drugs capable of stimulating neurogenesis, as well as the perspectives for the use of NSCs for neurological and neurodegenerative diseases.

Pyramided Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) crops producing multiple Bt proteins with different modes of action are widely planted in the United States. Helicoverpa zea is a major target pest of pyramided Bt crops and has evolved practical resistance to both Cry1 and Cry2 proteins in some regions of U.S. However, little information is available regarding redundant killing and the dominance of resistance for insects possessing multiple resistance on pyramided Bt crops. In this study, we evaluated redundant killing and the dominance of resistance for H. zea strains resistant to Cry1 or Cry1 + Cry2 on pyramided Bt corn and cotton.We found that the Cry1-resistant H. zea was incompletely dominant on Cry1Ac + Cry1F cotton. Pyramided crops producing Cry2 and/or Vip3Aa proteins showed a complete redundant killing against the Cry1-resistant H. zea. The Cry1 + Cry2-resistant H. zea displayed incompletely recessive to completely dominant resistance on pyramided Bt crops containing Cry1 and/or Cry2 proteins. The redundant killing was complete for the Cry1 + Cry2-resistant H. zea on pyramided Bt crops producing Vip3Aa protein.The dominant resistance of Cry1 and Cry2 in H. zea on pyramided Bt crops deviates from the assumption of functionally recessive resistance underlying the high-dose refuge strategy. However, the assumptions of complete redundant killing are achieved for both Cry1- and Cry1 + Cry2-resistant H. zea on pyramided Bt crops. These results suggest that the pyramided strategy could be valuable for increasing the durability of Bt technology for managing H. zea, a pest with inherently low susceptibility against Cry proteins. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Synthesis of septal peptidoglycan (sPG) is crucial for bacterial cell division. FtsW, an indispensable component of the cell division machinery in all walled bacterial species, was recently identified in vitro as a peptidoglycan glycosyltransferase (PGTase). Despite its importance, the septal PGTase activity of FtsW has not been demonstrated in vivo. How its activity is spatiotemporally regulated in vivo has also remained elusive. Here, we confirmed FtsW as an essential septum-specific PGTase in vivo using an N-acetylmuramic acid analogue incorporation assay. Next, using single-molecule tracking coupled with genetic manipulations, we identified two populations of processively moving FtsW molecules: a fast-moving population correlated with the treadmilling dynamics of the essential cytoskeletal FtsZ protein and a slow-moving population dependent on active sPG synthesis. We further identified that FtsN, a potential sPG synthesis activator, plays an important role in promoting the slow-moving population. Our results suggest a two-track model, in which inactive sPG synthases follow the ‘Z-track’ to be distributed along the septum and FtsN promotes their release from the Z-track to become active in sPG synthesis on the slow ‘sPG-track’. This model provides a mechanistic framework for the spatiotemporal coordination of sPG synthesis in bacterial cell division. Single-molecule tracking of the septal peptidoglycan glycosyltransferase FtsW reveals two populations: a fast-moving one that follows treadmilling FtsZ and a slow-moving one that is involved in peptidoglycan synthesis.

The Norway rat is a globally distributed pest, known for its resilience to eradication and control programs. Efficient population control, especially in urban settings, is dependent on knowledge of rat demography and population ecology. We analyzed the relationship between four demographic outcomes, estimated by live-trapping data, and fine-scale environmental features measured at the capture site. Wounds, a proxy for agonistic interactions, were associated with mature individuals. Areas with environmental features favorable to rats, such as open sewers and unpaved earth, were associated with more mature individuals with a better body condition index. The control measures (environmental stressors) are likely to be disrupting the social structure of rat colonies, increasing the frequency and distribution of agonistic interactions, which were common in both sexes and maturity states. The relationship between the favorable environmental conditions and the demographic markers analyzed indicate possible targets for infestation control through environmental manipulation, and could be incorporated into current pest management programs to achieve long-term success. Our study indicate that urban interventions focused on removal of potential resources for rats could be potential long-term solutions by reducing the carrying capacity of the environment. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11252-020-01075-2.

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread rapidly throughout the world. Smell and/or taste disorders have emerged as a very frequent symptom as the disease has spread in Europe. Spain is one of the European countries with the highest number of infections. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the clinical progression of smell and taste disorders in Spanish patients with mild COVID-19. Methods: An online survey was used to conduct a cross-sectional study of patients who presented sudden smell and/or taste disorders during the 2 months of total lockdown due to COVID-19 in Spain. Results: In our sample, 91.18% of respondents with impaired smell and/or taste and who were able to undergo PCR testing were positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Anosmia and ageusia presented in isolation in 6.5% of participants. The remaining 93.5% presented other mild symptoms: headache (51.6%), cough (51.6%), myalgia (45.2%), asthaenia (38.7%), nasal congestion or rhinorrhoea (35.5%), fever (41.9%), low-grade fever (29.0%), odynophagia (25.8%), or diarrhoea (6.5%). The mean duration of anosmia was 8.33 days, with patients subsequently manifesting hyposmia; complete resolution occurred after a mean of 17.79 days. In 22.6% of respondents, olfactory deficits persisted. All participants recovered their sense of taste. Conclusions: Olfactory and gustatory disorders are prevalent symptoms in mild COVID-19. Most patients do not present associated nasal congestion or rhinorrhoea and a small group of patients present these alterations in isolation. Resumen: Introducción: La enfermedad por coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19), se ha expandido con gran rapidez en todo el mundo. Las alteraciones del olfato y/o gusto han emergido como un síntoma muy frecuente a medida que la enfermedad se propagó en Europa. Uno de los países con mayor número de contagios en este continente ha sido España. Objetivo: Investigar la evolución clínica de los trastornos del olfato y el gusto en la enfermedad leve por COVID-19 en pacientes españoles. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal a través de encuesta on‐line, en pacientes que presentaron afección súbita del olfato y/o el gusto, durante los dos meses de confinamiento total por COVID-19 en España. Resultados: El 91,18% de los sujetos con afectación del olfato y/o el gusto, que tuvieron a acceso a la realización de PCR, fueron positivos para COVID-19. El 6,5% presentó anosmia y ageusia de forma aislada. El 93,5% manifestó otros síntomas leves asociados: cefalea (51,6%), tos (51,6%), mialgias (45,2%), astenia (38,7%), congestión nasal o rinorrea (35,5%), fiebre (41,9%), febrícula (29,0%), odinofagia (25.8%) y diarrea (6,5%). La duración media de la anosmia fue de 8,33 días, posteriormente los pacientes manifestaron hiposmia, con resolución completa en 17,79 días de media. En el 22,6% de los pacientes el déficit olfatorio persistió. Todos los sujetos recuperaron el sentido del gusto. Conclusiones: Los trastornos olfativos y gustativos son síntomas prevalentes en la infección leve por COVID-19. Gran parte de los pacientes no presentan congestión nasal o rinorrea asociada y un grupo reducido de pacientes los presentan de forma aislada.

Resumen: Introducción: La enfermedad por coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) se ha expandido con gran rapidez en todo el mundo. Las alteraciones del olfato o gusto han emergido como un síntoma muy frecuente a medida que la enfermedad se propagó en Europa. Uno de los países con mayor número de contagios en este continente ha sido España. Objetivo: Investigar la evolución clínica de los trastornos del olfato y el gusto en la enfermedad leve por COVID-19 en pacientes españoles. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal a través de encuesta on-line, en pacientes que presentaron afección súbita del olfato o el gusto, durante los 2 meses de confinamiento total por COVID-19 en España. Resultados: El 91,18% de los sujetos con afectación del olfato o el gusto, que tuvieron acceso a la realización de PCR, fueron positivos para COVID-19. El 6,5% presentó anosmia y ageusia de forma aislada. El 93,5% manifestó otros síntomas leves asociados: cefalea (51,6%), tos (51,6%), mialgias (45,2%), astenia (38,7%), congestión nasal o rinorrea (35,5%), fiebre (41,9%), febrícula (29,0%), odinofagia (25,8%) y diarrea (6,5%). La duración media de la anosmia fue de 8,33 días, posteriormente los pacientes manifestaron hiposmia, con resolución completa en 17,79 días de media. En el 22,6% de los pacientes el déficit olfatorio persistió. Todos los sujetos recuperaron el sentido del gusto. Conclusiones: Los trastornos olfativos y gustativos son síntomas prevalentes en la infección leve por COVID-19. Gran parte de los pacientes no presentan congestión nasal o rinorrea asociada y un grupo reducido de pacientes los presentan de forma aislada. Abstract: Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread rapidly throughout the world. Smell and/or taste disorders have emerged as a very frequent symptom as the disease has spread in Europe. Spain is one of the European countries with the highest number of infections. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the clinical progression of smell and taste disorders in Spanish patients with mild COVID-19. Methods: An online survey was used to conduct a cross-sectional study of patients who presented sudden smell and/or taste disorders during the 2 months of total lockdown due to COVID-19 in Spain. Results: In our sample, 91.18% of respondents with impaired smell and/or taste and who were able to undergo PCR testing were positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Anosmia and ageusia presented in isolation in 6.5% of participants. The remaining 93.5% presented other mild symptoms: headache (51.6%), cough (51.6%), myalgia (45.2%), asthaenia (38.7%), nasal congestion or rhinorrhoea (35.5%), fever (41.9%), low-grade fever (29.0%), odynophagia (25.8%), or diarrhoea (6.5%). The mean duration of anosmia was 8.33 days, with patients subsequently manifesting hyposmia; complete resolution occurred after a mean of 17.79 days. In 22.6% of respondents, olfactory deficits persisted. All participants recovered their sense of taste. Conclusions: Olfactory and gustatory disorders are prevalent symptoms in mild COVID-19. Most patients do not present associated nasal congestion or rhinorrhoea and a small group of patients present these alterations in isolation.

Fetuses with a diagnosis of congenital lung malformations (CLM) on prenatal imaging are commonly referred to a multi-disciplinary specialty team for prenatal assessment and postnatal management. The net effect of such services is broadly stated to improve the outcomes of affected newborns. However, these claims are relatively unsubstantiated.After IRB approval, a retrospective review of children diagnosed with CLM from 2008 to 2018 and referred to a large urban children's hospital was performed. A comparison was performed between prenatally diagnosed patients having a multi-disciplinary fetal center evaluation (FC) and prenatally diagnosed patients who did not receive a referral or were seen prior to the establishment of the center (NON-FC).Eighty-eight live-born patients with a prenatal diagnosis of CLM were identified, with 49 in the FC group and 39 NON-FC. Thirty-four (63%) and 23 (59%) patients underwent operative resection of CLM, respectively. FC patients presented earlier at first postnatal follow-up (42 vs. 145 days,Children with a prenatal diagnosis of CLM appear to benefit from an organized multi-specialty team approach in several impactful parameters. Hospital systems and providers that invest in similar strategies are likely to achieve improved outcomes in the care of newborns prenatally diagnosed with a CLM.

This work has as main objective to propose the identification of a small scale non-linear system through the Neural Network AutoRegressive with eXternal input. The use of this network requires an adequate methodology for its configuration and, consequently, a good training set. Then, it is proposed that the main definitions of the network parameters be obtained through the analysis of nonintrusive performance indices. Additionally, using a database based on the system’s response, excited by the Pseudo-Random Binary Sequence signal. The methodology will be applied in two specific open-loop identification situations: numerical simulation of a fourth order polynomial system (Case 01), and an experimental system that controls a nonlinear water tank level (Case 02). The results of the identified models were able to represent the system dynamics with high fidelity, presenting an average identification error of less than 0:14 and 0:34% for Case 1 and 2, respectively. Also, it is observed that the learning and generalization evidence could represent the process intrinsic nonlinearities satisfactorily. Besides, it will be possible to find the potentiality and usefulness of the developed network in nonlinear system identification.

Fil: Santiago, Cintia Cecilia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Conicet - La Plata; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Departamento de Quimica. Laboratorio de Estudio de Compuestos Organicos; Argentina

Seed mixture strategy can guarantee the compliance of planting non-Bt crops to host the susceptible insects for resistance management. However, pollen movement between Bt and non-Bt corn in the mixed plantings could reduce the efficacy of this strategy for ear-feeding insects. Few studies have evaluated the effects of cross-pollination among non-Bt and pyramided Bt corn in seed mixtures on the resistance development of insects possessing multiple resistances. Here, we provided the first study to investigate whether cross-pollination in mixed plantings of pyramided Bt corn producing Cry1A.105 and Cry2Ab2 would increase the dominance of resistance of dual-gene resistant populations of Helicoverpa zea, a target of pyramided Bt corn and cotton in the USA.We compared the survival and development of susceptible, dual-gene resistant (resistance to both Cry1 and Cry2 proteins) and heterozygous genotypes of H. zea in the laboratory on non-Bt and pyramided Bt corn ears collected from mixed plantings and structured plantings in the field. We found higher fitness for FThese results suggest that cross-pollination in mixed plantings will significantly increase the dominance of resistance by supporting survival of heterozygous insects for dual-gene resistant populations of H. zea, and therefore accelerate evolution of resistance to pyramided Bt crops. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Key to the haplostemonous species of Graptopetalum: 1. Rosettes 2.0–8.0 cm in diameter, cespitose........................................................................................................................................2 - Rosettes 9.0–16.0 cm in diameter, non cespitose...............................................................................................................................4 2. Inflorescence 6.0–12.0 cm long, 2 or less branches per inflorescence, endemic to Colima................................................ G. glassii - Inflorescence 19.0–35.0 cm long (rarely less), 3 or more branches per inflorescence, endemic to Michoacán................................3 3. Leaves broadly oblong, rosettes 5.0 cm or less in diameter, flowers 15.0 mm or less in diameter................................... G. kristenii - Leaves obovate, rosettes 6.0 cm or more in diameter, flowers 17 mm or more in diameter....................................... G. pentandrum 4. Stems more than 10.0 mm in diameter, squamose stem surface..................................................................................... G. superbum - Stems less than 8.0 mm in diameter, smooth stem surface................................................................................................................5 5. Plants 40.0–87.0 cm tall, inflorescence primary branches 5–7, mean flower density per 10 cm of the scape 6–14, flowers per basal branch 7–8, flower diameter 14.9–15.9 mm, petals yellowish with conspicuous transversal red stripes, petal width 2.9–3.0 mm, filaments red, carpels abaxially rounded............................................................................................................... G. rosanevadoense - Plants 15.0–35.0 (–41.0) cm tall, inflorescence primary branches 8–10, mean flower density per 10 cm of the scape 16–20, flowers per basal branch 3–6, flower diameter 12.9–13.1 mm, petals greenish with inconspicuous transversal red stripes, petal width 2.7–2.8 mm, filaments greenish to distally red, carpels abaxially obtuse........................................................................... G. trujilloi, Published as part of Etter, Julia, Vázquez-García, J. Antonio & Rosales-Martínez, C. Santiago, 2022, Graptopetalum kristenii (subg. Glassia, Crassulaceae), a new haplostemonous species from Michoacán, Mexico, pp. 136-146 in Phytotaxa 555 (2) on page 144, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.555.2.2, http://zenodo.org/record/6875940

Graptopetalum trujilloi A. Vázquez & Rosales sp. nov. (Figs. 3–5). Diagnosis:— Graptopetalum trujilloi is similar to G. rosanevadoense in sharing a ramose habit, smooth stem surface and stem diameter, but it differs from the latter in having a smaller habit 15.0–35.0 (–41.0) vs. 40.0–87.0 cm, more numerous primary branches per inflorescence 8–10 vs. 5–7, larger mean flower density per 10.0 cm of the scape 16–20 vs. 6–14, fewer flowers per basal branch 3–6 vs. 7–8, smaller flower diameter 12.9–13.1 vs. 14.9–15.1, petals greenish with transversal inconspicuous red stripes vs. yellowish with transversal conspicuous red stripes, petal width 2.7–2.8 vs. 2.9–3.0 mm, filaments greenish to distally red vs. red and carpels abaxially obtuse vs. rounded. It is also similar to G. superbum in sharing a ramose habit, similar rosette diameter and similar mean flower density per 10 cm of the scape, but it differs from the latter in having a smaller habit 15.0–35.0 (–41.0) cm vs. 40.0–80.0 cm, stem surface smooth vs. squamose, smaller stem diameter 6.0–8.0 mm vs. 10.0–12.0 mm, less numerous primary branches per inflorescence 8–10 vs. 12–15, and smaller flower diameter 12.9–13.1 vs. 15.0–16.0 mm. Type:— MEXICO, Jalisco: Municipio de San Gabriel, 4 km north of San Gabriel, Bosque de galería con Pittocaulon, Ficus, Salix. Abundante sobre laderas rocosas, 1350-1400 m, 19 April 2011, P. Carrillo-Reyes & J.M. Carrillo-García 6335 (holotype: IBUG!, Isotypes: CIMI!, ZEA!). Plants perennial, ramose, 15.0–35.0 (–41.0) cm tall without scape, branching basally; stems decumbent to pendant, surface smooth, brownish, 6.0–8.0 mm in diam. at the base, with oval to circular, bumped and dark greenish scars, 1.0–2.0 mm in diameter, the tip soon dried; each stem bearing a sparse terminal rosette 9.0–11.0 (–12.0) cm in diam.; leaves 15–32 per rosette, to 52 in cultivation, 4.0–7.5 × 2.3–2.8 cm, 6.0–9.0 mm thick, on an apical 4.0–7.0 cm stem, obovate, glabrous, base cuneate, adaxially slightly concave, abaxially convex, an apical mucro 1.0–3.0 × 1.0–3.0 mm, glaucous greenish to pinkish; scape 2.0–3.0 mm thick at the base, 1.0 mm thick on the upper part, gray-bluish to pinkish, mean flower density per 10 cm of the scape 16–20; panicle 15.0–32.0 cm long, dense, with 8–10 simple or bifurcate primary branches, with 30–50 flowers per inflorescence; bracts 1.0–3.0 mm long, lanceolate to elliptic; panicle primary branches 2.0–6.0 cm, simple or bifurcate, with 3–7 flowers each, 3–6 in the basal branch; pedicels 9.0–11.0 mm long; flowers 12.9–13.1 mm in diameter; petals (4–) 5, 2.7–2.8 mm wide, triangular, subequal, greenish with inconspicuous transversal red stripes, longitudinally with a shallow groove; stamens (4–) 5, erect in early stage of anthesis, later reflexed, filaments greenish to distally red; gynoecium yellow greenish to pinkish orange, carpels abaxially obtuse; fruits costate oblongoid, 5.0–6.0 × 2.0–3.0 mm; seeds unknown. Distribution, habitat and phenology:— Graptopetalum trujilloi is known only from populations at the type locality, on the canyon of the Rio Tapalpa at an elevation of 1350-1410 m. The vegetation corresponds to the tropical deciduous forest with Bursera sp., Heliocarpus sp., Isolatocereus dumortierii, Lysiloma sp., Pithecellobium dulce, Plumeria rubra, Pseudobombax sp., Verbesina oligantha, V. tecolotlana, and Vitex sp., among others. Plants form rock-dwelling dense colonies in North exposure vertical slopes along with Agave attenuata subsp. dentata, Astrolepis sinuata, Dioscorea sp., Epidendrum examinis, Euphorbia sp., Peperomia sp., Pitcairnia sp., Pittocaulon velatum Sedum chazaroi and Tillandsia aff. capitata (Fig. 5). Flowering in early March. Fruiting in early June. Eponymy and ethnobotany:—The specific epithet honours Jesús Trujillo Lara, an outstanding explorer of the Gran Barranca de Guadalajara and expert in succulent cultivation who contributed to the discovery of this species. Additional specimens examined:— MÉXICO, Jalisco: 4 km north of San Gabriel, 1390 m, 7 September 2008, J. A . Vázquez-García 8835, with J . Trujillo, J . Etter, M . Kristen and M . Cházaro (IBUG). Same location as previous, 4 km north of San Gabriel, 1410 m, 27 June 2021 (sterile), S . Rosales w/ C. Rosales and E. Martínez 1 (IBUG), same location as previous, 27 June 2021 (infructescence), S . Rosales w/ C. Rosales and E. Martínez 2 (IBUG).

Vázquez-García, J. Antonio, Rosales-Martínez, C. Santiago, Acevedo-Rosas, Raúl (2022): Graptopetalum trujilloi (Crassulaceae), a new haplostemonous and critically endangered species endemic to western Mexico: comments on taxa of subg. Glassia. Phytotaxa 532 (3): 275-287, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.532.3.5

Helicoverpa zea is a major target pest of Bt crops expressing Cry and/or Vip3Aa proteins in the U.S.A. Widespread practical resistance of H. zea to the Cry1 and Cry2 proteins makes Vip3Aa the only effective Bt protein against this pest. Understanding the frequency of resistance alleles against Vip3Aa in field populations of H. zea is crucial for resistance management and the sustainability of Vip3Aa technology. Using a modified F2 screen method by crossing susceptible laboratory female moth with feral male moth of H. zea, we successfully screened a total of 24,576 neonates from 192 F2 families of H. zea collected from Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee during 2019–2020. We found five F2 families containing ≥3rd instar survivors on the diagnostic concentration of 3.0 µg/cm2 Vip3Aa39. Dose-response bioassays confirmed the high levels of Vip3Aa resistance in these F2 families, with an estimated resistance ratio of >909.1-fold relative to the susceptible strain. The estimated resistance allele frequency against Vip3Aa in H. zea for these four southern states is 0.0155 with a 95% CI of 0.0057–0.0297. These data should provide critical information for understanding the risks of Vip3Aa resistance in H. zea and help design appropriate resistance management strategies for the sustainability of the Vip3Aa technology.

The increase in rates of habitat loss requires an understanding of how biodiversity is distributed. Campo rupestre is an old, climatically buffered, and infertile landscape located in Brazil. Considered a biodiversity hotspot, the campo rupestre is mainly threatened by mining activity that requires a large operating area. Campo rupestre is known for its restricted distribution area and high abiotic heterogeneity, which modulates species coexistence and richness. To recognise the association between habitat type and plant communities, we propose to describe the floristic composition of herbaceous and shrub components in four habitats of the campo rupestre comprising quartzite and ferruginous substrate. We classified habitat types by the main surface soil features. In each habitat, we sampled ten 100-m2 plots to access information on the shrub and ten 1-m2 plots for the herbaceous component. Altogether we sampled 153 species, belonging to 38 families. The cluster analysis ordered by Sorensen metric indicates a clear distinction of species composition in the shrub component in the four habitats. However, the floristic composition of the herbaceous component was similar between the four habitats but showed a distinction when contrasting with the substrate type. Our results highlight the local taxonomic distinction between habitat types and substrates, indicating that the ecological distinction among substrate types of the campo rupestre cannot be overlooked in conservation and restoration actions.

Background. Asthma is a chronic pulmonary disease that affects about 300 million people worldwide. Previous studies have associated antimicrobial use with allergies, but the real impact of antibiotics on asthma is still elusive. We investigated the potential impact of amoxicillin (Amox), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX), and metronidazole (Metro) in a murine model of OVA-induced allergic airway inflammation. Methods. BALB/c mice received three cycles of 7 days of antibiotics in drinking water followed by 7 days washout and were sensitized i.p. with OVA/Alum at days 0 and 14. After the end of the last antibiotic washout, the mice were challenged with aerosolized OVA. Pulmonary parameters were evaluated, and serum, BAL, and feces were collected for analysis. Results. Amox- and TMP/SMX-treated animals displayed more severe allergic airway inflammation parameters with increased airway hyperresponsiveness, reduced lung alveolar volume, and increased levels in BAL of IL-4 and IL-6. In contrast, Metro-treated mice showed preserved FEV-50, decreased lung inflammation, and higher levels of butyrate and propionate in their feces. Metro treatment was associated with increased OVA-specific IgA in serum. BAL microbiota was abundant in allergic groups but not in nonallergic controls with the Amox-treated group displaying the increased frequency of Proteobacteria, while Metro and TMP/SMX showed increased levels of Firmicutes. In the gut, we observed the enrichment of Akkermansia muciniphila associated with reduced airway inflammation phenotype in the Metro group, even after the recovery period. Conclusion. Our data suggest that different antibiotic treatments may impact the course of experimental allergic airway inflammation in diverse ways by several mechanisms, including modulation of short-chain fat acids production by intestinal microbiota.