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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).

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.

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

Stem cell therapy is an interesting approach for neural repair, once it can improve and increase processes, like angiogenesis, neurogenesis, and synaptic plasticity. In this regard, adult neural stem cells (NSC) are studied for their mechanisms of proliferation, differentiation and functionality in neural repair. Here, we describe novel neural differentiation methods. NSC from adult mouse brains and human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSC) were isolated and characterized regarding their neural differentiation potential based on neural marker expression profiles. For both cell types, their capabilities of differentiating into neuron-, astrocyte- and oligodendrocytes-like cells (NLC, ALC and OLC, respectively) were analyzed. Our methodologies were capable of producing NLC, ALC and OLC from adult murine and human transdifferentiated NSC. NSC showed augmented gene expression of NES, TUJ1, GFAP and PDGFRA/Cnp. Following differentiation induction into NLC, OLC or ALC, specific neural phenotypes were obtained expressing MAP2, GalC/O4 or GFAP with compatible morphologies, respectively. Accordingly, immunostaining for nestin+ in NSC, GFAP+ in astrocytes and GalC/O4+ in oligodendrocytes was detected. Co-cultured NLC and OLC showed excitability in 81.3% of cells and 23.5% of neuron/oligodendrocyte marker expression overlap indicating occurrence of in vitro myelination. We show here that hADSC can be transdifferentiated into NSC and distinct neural phenotypes with the occurrence of neuron myelination in vitro, providing novel strategies for CNS regeneration therapy. Superior Part: Schematic organization of obtaining and generating hNSC from hADSC and differentiation processes and phenotypic expression of neuron, astrocyte and oligodendrocyte markers (MAP2, GFAP and O4, respectively) and stem cell marker (NES) of differentiating hNSC 14 days after induction. The nuclear staining in blue corresponds to DAPI. bar = 100 μm. Inferior part: Neural phenotype fates in diverse differentiation media. NES: nestin; GFAP: Glial fibrillary acidic protein. MAP2: Microtubule-associated protein 2. TUJ1: β-III tubulin. PDGFRA: PDGF receptor alpha. Two-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post-test with n = 3. * p

The Zika virus (ZIKV) was first isolated from a rhesus macaque in the Zika forest of Uganda in 1947. Isolated cases were reported until 2007, when the first major outbreaks of Zika infection were reported from the Island of Yap in Micronesia and from French Polynesia in 2013. In 2015, ZIKV started to circulate in Latin America, and in 2016, ZIKV was considered by WHO to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern due to cases of Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS), a ZIKV-associated complication never observed before. After a peak of cases in 2016, the infection incidence dropped dramatically but still causes concern because of the associated microcephaly cases, especially in regions where the dengue virus (DENV) is endemic and co-circulates with ZIKV. A vaccine could be an important tool to mitigate CZS in endemic countries. However, the immunological relationship between ZIKV and other flaviviruses, especially DENV, and the low numbers of ZIKV infections are potential challenges for developing and testing a vaccine against ZIKV. Here, we discuss ZIKV vaccine development with the perspective of the immunological concerns implicated by DENV-ZIKV cross-reactivity and the use of a controlled human infection model (CHIM) as a tool to accelerate vaccine development.

BackgroundEpidemiological and experimental studies have shown a protective effect of helminth infections in weight gain and against the development of metabolic dysfunctions in the host. However, the mechanisms induced by the parasite that regulate the development of metabolic diseases in the host are unclear. The present study aimed to verify the influence ofHeligmosomoides polygyrusinfection in early stages of high fat diet-induced obesity.Principal FindingsThe presence of infection was able to prevent exacerbated weight gain in mice fed with high fat diet when compared to non-infected controls. In addition, infected animals displayed improved insulin sensitivity and decreased fat accumulation in the liver. Obesity-associated inflammation was reduced in the presence of infection, demonstrated by higher levels of IL10 and adiponectin, increased infiltration of Th2 and eosinophils in adipose tissue of infected animals. Of note, the parasite infection was associated with increased Treg frequency in adipose tissue which showed higher expression of cell surface markers of function and activation, like LAP and CD134. The infection could also revert the loss of function in Tregs associated with high fat diet.ConclusionThese data suggest thatH. polygyrusinfection can prevent weight gain and metabolic syndrome in animals fed with high fat diet associated with modulations of adipose tissue Treg cells.Author summaryHelminth infections are known to modulate the immune system being responsible for protecting the host from developing allergic and autoimmune disorders (Hygiene Hypothesis). We hypothesized that the same immunomodulatory effect can have an impact on immunometabolic diseases, such as obesity and its linked diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Weight disorders have reached epidemic levels, nearly tripling since 1975 and being responsible for almost 5 million premature deaths each year. To test our hypothesis C57BL/6 male mice were fed control or high fat diet, for five weeks, in the presence or not ofHeligmosomoides polygyrusinfection. Weight gain, development of metabolic disorders, inflammation and cellular migration to the adipose tissue were evaluated. In accordance with our hypothesis, we found that the presence of infection prevented the exacerbated weight gain and also improved metabolic parameters in animals fed a high fat diet. This was associated with the infection’s ability to modulate parameters of a cell responsible for regulatory functions: Tregs. In the light of these findings, helminth infection could be protective against weight gain and metabolic disturbances.

The tunability of optical properties in inorganic semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) allows them to be exceptional candidates for multiple optical and optoelectronic applications. While QD size dictates these properties, the addition of highly luminescent rare-earth elements also affects absorption and emission properties. In this work, we were able to successfully synthesize europium-doped CdSe QDs using a one-pot microwave synthesis method. Using recipes that we previously developed, we were able to synthesize Eu

Internationally, inland waterways are identified as leading locations for drowning. 'Nippers' programs provide coastal lifesaving and water safety knowledge and skills to children aged 5-14 years in Australia. However, a 49% increase in Victorian inland waterway drowning compared with the 10-year average, necessitated adapting the Nippers water safety program to inland regions: Bush Nippers.Overall, 105 participants from two age groups (under 9 and under 12) were involved across three Bush Nippers programs delivered at river and/or pool locations in regional Victoria, Australia. Surveys and observations assessed participants' water safety knowledge and competencies, and used alongside interviews to obtain program feedback from parents, instructors and communities. Costs were compared to other aquatic programs to determine feasibility of replicating the program.Significant increases in knowledge from pre to immediate posttest were recorded (P .05) and water competencies were high posttest. Communities were grateful for the regional program delivery and understood the necessity of learning lifesaving skills, particularly in open water environments. Costs were akin to other similar programs indicating program replicability and enhancing likelihood of uptake.Bush Nippers increased water safety knowledge in children and was well received by the community. Wider uptake of the program is encouraged to diversify aquatic education for regional Victorian children. SO WHAT?: Given the high regard and demand for the program, and importance of learning lifesaving skills, provision of a scalable lifesaving program in inland regions may address the drowning trend and improve aquatic participation.

Leptospirosis is an environmentally transmitted zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic Leptospira spp. that affects poor communities worldwide. In urban slums, leptospirosis is associated with deficient sanitary infrastructure. Yet, the role of sewerage in the reduction of the environmental contamination with pathogenic Leptospira has not been explored. Here, we conducted a survey of the pathogen in soils surrounding open and closed sewer sections in six urban slums in Brazil. We found that soils surrounding conventionally closed sewers (governmental interventions) were 3 times less likely to contain pathogenic Leptospira (inverse OR 3.44, 95% CI = 1.66-8.33; p < 0.001) and contained a 6 times lower load of the pathogen (0.82 log10 units difference, p < 0.01) when compared to their open counterparts. However, no differences were observed in community-closed sewers (poor-quality closings performed by the slum dwellers). Human fecal markers (BacHum) were positively associated with pathogenic Leptospira even in closed sewers, and rat presence was not predictive of the presence of the pathogen in soils, suggesting that site-specific rodent control may not be sufficient to reduce the environmental contamination with Leptospira. Overall, our results indicate that sewerage expansion to urban slums may help reduce the environmental contamination with the pathogen and therefore reduce the risk of human leptospirosis.

Host immune responses contribute to dengue’s pathogenesis and severity, yet the possibility that failure in endogenous inflammation resolution pathways could characterise the disease has not been contemplated. The pro-resolving protein Annexin A1 (AnxA1) is known to counterbalance overexuberant inflammation and mast cell (MC) activation. We hypothesised that inadequate AnxA1 engagement underlies the cytokine storm and vascular pathologies associated with dengue disease. Levels of AnxA1 were examined in the plasma of dengue patients and infected mice. Immunocompetent, IFNα/βR-/-, AnxA1-/-and FPR2/ALX-/-mice were infected withDengue virus(DENV) and treated with the AnxA1 mimetic peptide Ac2-26for analysis. Additionally, the effect of Ac2-26on DENV-induced MC degranulation was assessedin vitroandin vivo. We observed that circulating levels of AnxA1 were reduced in dengue patients and DENV-infected mice. While the absence of AnxA1 or its receptor FPR2/ALX aggravated illness in infected mice, treatment with AnxA1 agonistic peptide attenuated disease manifestations. Both clinical outcomes were attributed to modulation of DENV-mediated viral load-independent MC degranulation. We have thereby identified that altered levels of the pro-resolving mediator AnxA1 are of pathological relevance in DENV infection, suggesting FPR2/ALX agonists as a therapeutic target for dengue disease.