Sistema Regional de Información
en línea para Revistas Científicas de América Latina,
el Caribe, España y Portugal

Benthic cyanobacteria research in high mountain reservoirs remains limited, mainly due to their complexity and knowledge gaps that persist in relation to their ecology in tropical regions. This study aimed to explore the composition, diversity, and toxic potential of cyanobacterial in the upper sediment of two Colombian reservoirs. Our investigation involved multiple methodologies, such as germination experiments, that allowed us to assess the presence and viability of cyanobacteria in upper sediment samples, while the competitive ELISA assay allowed for the quantification of toxins within the cultures. The molecular analysis of Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) from subsamples of sediment cultures focused on evaluating cyanobacterial diversity and richness among prokaryotic phyla, and the Phylogenetic analysis of culturable cyanobacteria. Chlorophyll-a measurements confirmed the presence of viable populations in sediment cultures, while microscopic identification demonstrated the growth capacity of cyanobacteria from the orders Nostocales, Chroococcales, Oscillatoriales, and Synechococcales under controlled laboratory conditions. Despite low microcystin levels in culture, the prior detection of mcy genes in direct sediment samples suggests a possible toxic potential of cyanobacterial inhabiting the upper sediments. Community analysis, based on the OTUs abundance, revealed a notably diverse microbial community in both reservoir sediments, with a higher relative abundance of cyanobacteria compared to other prokaryotic phyla. These findings support the hypothesis that surface sediments play a fundamental role as a repository for cyanobacteria that may pose inherent risks to ecosystem health. In conclusion, this research underscores the necessity of further studies to achieve a holistic comprehension of benthic cyanobacteria dynamics in high-mountain tropical reservoirs.

Vegetation is a fundamental element for the maintenance of macroinvertebrates functional diversity and, therefore, essential to aquatic trophic net preservation, being particularly relevant in threatened ecosystems such as tropical dry forests. Our aim is to determine the relationship between vegetal cover conservation and macroinvertebrates functional diversity associated with litter, in a stream from a tropical dry forest. In La Avería stream (Huila, Colombia), we sampled sites with different vegetation cover, estimated their physicochemical variables, and calculated leaf litter inputs (vertical, side, and drift) for each station for a whole year. Subsequently, we recorded the macroinvertebrates associated with litter from common vegetal species using leaf traps. We performed a PERMANOVA, added to multiple linear regression models and a redundancy analysis to correlate our environmental variables with changes in functional diversity. We observed changes in the functional parameters related to sampling zones and time. On one hand, functional richness and distance, are associated with dry seasons when resource availability and environmental conditions are stabilized. On the other hand, the functional evenness value diminishes in areas with higher pH due to the loss of individuals. We found evidence of a relationship between physicochemical variables and functional diversity. pH and precipitation changes were directly associated with changes in litter supply and therefore define the dimensionality of the functional traits in the ecosystem. Our work emphasizes the idea that the macroinvertebrate diversity carries great potential as a tool for decision-making in the preservation and environmental management of aquatic and riparian systems.

The global production of plastic amounts to 6.3 billion tons, greatly influencing the increasing contamination from plastic products and resulting in a problem that affects ecosystems in various ways, especially freshwater ecosystems. Freshwater ecosystems have recently been identified as the main sinks for plastic particles because they are directly exposed to human settlements and consequently to anthropogenic activities. The incorporation of microplastics at the base of the food web occurs through their ingestion by different macroinvertebrates, such as (i) filter feeders: Daphnia magna, (ii) shredders: Gammarus pulex and Hyalella azteca, (iii) collectors: Culex pipiens, Chironomus riparius, Chironomus tepperi, and (iv) herbivores like the snail Physella acuta. Microplastic ingestion can lead to the blockage of the digestive tract, increased mortality, decreased fecundity, inflammatory responses, altered metabolism, disrupted reproduction, behavioral changes, and depleted energy reserves. Consequently, microplastics pose a threat to macroinvertebrate communities with severe ecosystem -level consequences. However, it is necessary to understand the true risks of microplastics in freshwater and other ecosystems, considering the structure, functional characteristics, and behavior of the study organisms to guide public decision-making awareness. This narrative review paper was conducted by consulting national and international databases to compile publications that reflect the current state of knowledge on the effect of microplastics on macroinvertebrate communities in lotic ecosystems.

Microalgae are producer organisms that have been used as bioindicators since the 19th century. Microalgae are characterized by their rapid reproduction, short life cycle, and easy collection. Although their identification is complex, other attributes have been evaluated, such as their morphological measurements and functional traits, which allow a quick and efficient assessment of these organisms and address some taxonomic inconveniences. In this work, an evaluation tool for the ecosystem health of the Zapatosa Swamp Complex (ZSC) was developed, based on the composition as well as biological and ecological characteristics of the periphytic algae community, to determine its biotic integrity and assess the ecological state of these swamps. To do so, the composition of algae in the ZSC was analyzed, some aspects of their functional morphology were evaluated, and the most appropriate functional variables were selected for the development of an index of biotic integrity (IBI) of this community. Mathematical and statistical analyses indicated that the selected attributes (maximum linear dimension, biovolume, surface area, silica exoskeleton, mucilage, colonies, aerotopes, and flagella) were suitable for developing the IBI and that they were correlated with some environmental variables. Using the IBI results, the ecological conditions of the different ZSC areas were discriminated. However, the proposed index is a first approximation that will need further development to become an effective management and prediction tool. It should also take into account seasonal changes in the hydrology of the ZSC.

Ecomorphological studies are essential to understanding how a species perform in an environment according to its morphology, allowing for further understanding of adaptation patterns and evolutionary diversification. Salamanders in the family Plethodontidae are widely distributed in the Americas, and their ecological specialization and philopatry make them highly vulnerable to environmental change. We compiled information on the ecomorphological aspects of the family to identify information patterns and gaps in data that could guide future research. We found that the United States is the country with the most significant number of studies (43), followed by Colombia (12) and Brazil (2). One of the most studied categories is life history and ecology, and the least studied are developmental biology, disturbance, and ecophysiology. Bolitoglossa was found to be 29% studied despite being one of the most diverse genera. Seventy-seven percent of the genera with altitudinal data prefer altitudinal ranges between 800-1200 m a. s. l., temperature between 15-20 °C and relative humidity above 80%. Finally, salamanders of lower weight (<1 g) and SVL (>60 mm) tend to use a higher perch height, probably related to a higher climbing ability or avoidance behavior. There is an opportunity for research on less studied genera, allowing future conservation decisions to be made.

Autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), are complex disorders characterized by an abnormal immune response. In these diseases, the immune system mistakenly identifies different body components as foreign, leading to chronic inflammation and damage to multiple organ and tissue systems. Traditional treatments typically involve immunosuppressive drugs that broadly suppress the immune system. Although these medications can help control symptoms, they also carry significant side effects due to their nonspecific nature. Nanotechnology, through nanomedicine, plays a crucial role in treating diseases, improving drug therapeutic efficacy, and minimizing toxicity. This technology allows for better bioavailability of medications, more precise distribution in the body, and more precise control over drug release. Nanoparticles (NPs) are essential in this process, capable of overcoming biological barriers and directing drugs directly to the affected sites, increasing their effectiveness and reducing side effects. This approach is especially promising in treating autoimmune diseases and cancer. NPs can target specific cells, such as macrophages, monocytes, dendritic cells, and B lymphocytes, to deliver treatments more effectively, with less toxicity and adverse effects. Research in nanotechnology continues to advance, offering hope for more effective and personalized treatments.

Little information is available regarding centipedes (Chilopoda) and millipedes (Diplopoda) from Honduras, a country located on the following biogeographic provinces: Mosquito (North and East), Chiapas Highlands (Central) and Pacific Lowlands (South). Here, we provide an updated list of centipede and millipede species based on a literature survey and a review of global taxonomic on-line databases of Chilopoda (Chilobase) and Diplopoda (MilliBase). The updated list includes 14 centipede and 21 millipede species. Three centipede and 14 millipede species are endemic. We report and additional three centipede and six millipede species compared to the previous record. Brief comments of taxonomy, biology and distribution of the recorded species are given.

Objective. To compare the levels of professional identity among Chilean traditional and non-traditional pedagogy students, considering the type of teacher itrainer, academic progression, and the predictive capacity of these two variables on the professional identity. Method. A cross-sectional design with a non-random sample of 702 Chilean pedagogy students was used. Measures included professional teacher identity, identification with the teacher trainer, and the academic level of the students. Results. Non-parametric tests revealed differences in professional identity levels, identification with the teacher trainer, and the predictive model of professional identity between traditional and non-traditional students. These findings are discussed considering the existing literature.

Objective. This study evaluated the adequacy of a structural equation model examining the relationship between spiritual health, resilience, and aggressiveness. Method. Four hundred young individuals (aged 18-30) from Costa Rica and Mexico (66.5% females, 33.5% males) actively involved in religious congregations completed Spiritual Health, Mexican Resilience, and Aggression Questionnaire scales. Data was analyzed using a structural equation model. The analysis revealed a statistically significant but suboptimal fit (χ2 = 224.333, df = 51, p < .001). Nevertheless, the estimated fit indices exhibited reasonably satisfactory fit (CFI = .912, TLI = .886, RMSEA = .092, SRMR = .060). Results. Spiritual health positively affects resilience and negatively affects aggressiveness, while resilience negatively impacts aggressiveness. Consequently, fostering spiritual health may enhance the positive response in challenging situations.

 Objective. The objective of this research was to identify the constituent elements of the self-concept and the representational structure of Brazilians about their LGBTQIA+ experiences Method. The study involved the participation of 120 LGBTQIA+ people, all Brazilian, aged between 18 and 42 years (M = 27.19 and SD = 5.95). Data collection employed a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Free Word Association Test (FWAT) with the inducing stimulus "Myself". Results. The analysis indicated that participants demonstrated positive self-representations, suggesting a healthy self-concept. However, despite the predominance of positive traits, the stressors faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals may negatively impact their self-concept. In this context, some of the words evoked following the presentation of the inducing stimulus referred to negative characteristics and feelings associated with an impoverished self-concept.