The present work reports the in situ fabrication of Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) in polystyrene-b-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) over pre-patterned hydrophobic stripes on a hydrophilic glass surface. Microcontact printing (μCP) using octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) as “ink” was used to obtain these chemically modified substrates. A comparison of the results of the PS-b-P2VP self-assembly over a bare glass substrate and a pre-patterned glass substrate demonstrated the influence of the pattern on the film morphology. Polymeric films of Ag+ and PS-b-P2VP were prepared on a pre-patterned substrate and heated at 150 °C to enable the self-reconstruction of the polymeric matrix and the in situ formation of AgNPs (average particle size of approximately 100 nm). The AgNP/PS-b-P2VP thin films were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. The results demonstrate that the concentration of the solutions of Ag+/PS-b-P2VP used to prepare the films strongly influences the morphologies and dispersion of AgNPs. Moreover, the surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) activity of the fabricated polymer nanocomposites using Nile Blue as a molecular probe shows the importance of the chemical modification of the substrate in the enhancement of the SERS signal. (AgNPs polystyrenebpoly2vinylpyridine polystyrenebpolyvinylpyridine polystyrene b poly 2 vinylpyridine polystyrene-b-poly(2-vinylpyridine PSbP2VP PSbPVP PS P2VP P VP (PS-b-P2VP prepatterned pre patterned surface μCP (μCP OTS (OTS ink “ink substrates selfassembly self assembly morphology 15 C selfreconstruction reconstruction average 10 nm. nm . nm) AgNP/PSbP2VP AgNPPSbP2VP AgNPPSbPVP AgNP/PS AgNP UVVis UV Vis microscopy Ag+/PSbP2VP AgPSbP2VP AgPSbPVP Ag+/PS Moreover surfaceenhanced enhanced (SERS signal polystyrenebpoly PSbP PVP 1 AgNPPSbP AgNPPS AgPSbP AgPS

Gold and platinum bimetallic nanoparticles, Au@PtNPs, have gained attention due to their plasmonic properties. The controlled synthesis of Au@PtNPs involves complex parameters, and the resulting synergy between Au and Pt introduces possibilities for tailoring their properties. This study explores the effects of key-parameters of synthesis (gold core diameters, reaction time, and Pt concentration) on the final properties of Au@PtNPs. Gold nanoparticles of varying diameters were synthesized and used as cores for the reduction of hexachloroplatinic acid, forming a surrounding shell of Pt nanoparticles. The parameters were systematically tuned to understand their impact on morphology, dimension, stability, and plasmonic properties of Au@PtNPs. Increasing Pt precursor concentration resulted in thicker and denser Pt shells, broadening the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) band and improving Au@PtNPs stability. These properties are essential for applications such as photothermal treatment. The synthesis achieved satisfactory products within just 1 h of Pt4+ reduction at mild temperature without using surfactants. Only limited changes in plasmonic properties were observed after 4 h of synthesis, suggesting an optimal reaction period. Manipulating Au core diameter provided LSPR band control, with smaller cores exhibiting greater broadening towards the infrared region. This systematic exploration provided valuable insights for understanding key-parameters governing the synthesis and properties of Au@PtNPs. AuPtNPs PtNPs keyparameters key gold time acid morphology dimension stability shells (LSPR treatment Pt4 surfactants period control region

ABSTRACT: Anatomy teaching has been changing over the years, introducing technological methods especially after the pandemic period. An ongoing debate revolves around whether exclusive reliance on technology for anatomy classes, as opposed to traditional methods and face-to-face instruction, enhances knowledge acquisition. This study analyzed the knowledge perception of students from various semesters throughout the Veterinary Medicine course, comparing students who only had online classes with those who had face-to-face classes in Gross Anatomy of Domestic Animals. For this purpose, a questionnaire was distributed for voluntary and anonymous completion, and the responses were subsequently analyzed statistically. The results indicated that 11.5% of the students who took Anatomy remotely failed to apply the knowledge in other subjects, while no face-to-face learning student reported the same. Most students, both remote and face-to-face groups, remember the subject but review the content frequently. Regarding theoretical knowledge, the online group (80.8%) understood better as the course progressed, compared to 59.6% of the face-to-face group. The connection between Anatomy and other subjects was more highlighted by the face-to-face group (30.8%) compared to the online group (15.4%). Both groups agree that physical contact with anatomical specimens is essential; however, some believe that initial exposure through 3D images or photographs is feasible. We concluded based on this preliminary study that the initial interactions with the Anatomy field should include diversified pedagogical techniques with empathetic communication. The use of modern technological resources are allies in the teaching-learning process. Furthermore, after abstracting the contents, technology alone can effectively maintain and update anatomical knowledge. ABSTRACT years period facetoface face instruction acquisition Animals purpose completion statistically 115 11 5 11.5 same frequently 80.8% 808 80 8 (80.8% progressed 596 59 6 59.6 30.8% 308 30 (30.8% 15.4%. 154 15.4% . 15 4 (15.4%) essential however D feasible communication teachinglearning process Furthermore contents 1 11. 80.8 (80.8 59. 30.8 3 (30.8 15.4 (15.4% 80. (80. 30. (30. 15. (15.4 (80 (30 (15. (8 (3 (15 ( (1

RESUMO: O ensino de anatomia vem se modificando ao longo dos anos, introduzindo métodos tecnológicos, principalmente após o período pandêmico. Questiona-se o uso exclusivo da tecnologia em comparação aos métodos tradicionais de dissecação e aulas teóricas presenciais no que diz respeito à aquisição de conhecimento. Este artigo analisou a percepção de conhecimento de alunos de diversos semestres do curso de Medicina Veterinária, comparando alunos que tiveram aulas apenas online com aqueles que tiveram aulas presenciais de Anatomia Descritiva dos Animais Domésticos. Para tanto, questões foram enviadas por meio de formulário, com preenchimento voluntário e anônimo, e posteriormente analisadas estatisticamente. Os resultados indicam que 11,5% dos alunos que cursaram a disciplina remotamente falharam na aplicação dos conhecimentos em outras disciplinas, enquanto nenhum aluno do ensino presencial relatou o mesmo. A maioria dos alunos, tanto dos grupos remotos quanto dos presenciais, lembram-se do assunto, mas revisam o conteúdo com frequência. Em relação ao conhecimento teórico, o grupo online (80,8%) compreendeu melhor à medida que o curso avançava, comparado a 59,6% do grupo presencial. A ligação entre Anatomia e outras disciplinas foi mais destacada pelo grupo presencial (30,8%) em comparação ao online (15,4%). Ambos os grupos concordam que o contacto físico com peças anatômicas é essencial, mas alguns consideram possível ter um primeiro contacto com imagens ou fotografias 3D. Baseado nesse estudo preliminar, conclui-se que as interações iniciais com a área de Anatomia devem incluir técnicas pedagógicas diversificadas com comunicação empática. A utilização de recursos tecnológicos modernos é um aliado do processo de ensino-aprendizagem, e após a abstração dos conteúdos é possível o uso singular da tecnologia na manutenção e atualização do conhecimento anatômico. RESUMO anos pandêmico Questionase Questiona Veterinária Domésticos formulário anônimo estatisticamente 115 11 5 11,5 mesmo lembramse lembram assunto frequência teórico 80,8% 808 80 8 (80,8% avançava 596 59 6 59,6 30,8% 308 30 (30,8% 15,4%. 154 15,4% . 15 4 (15,4%) essencial 3D D preliminar concluise conclui empática ensinoaprendizagem, ensinoaprendizagem aprendizagem, aprendizagem ensino-aprendizagem anatômico 1 11, 80,8 (80,8 59, 30,8 3 (30,8 15,4 (15,4% 80, (80, 30, (30, 15, (15,4 (80 (30 (15, (8 (3 (15 ( (1

Resumen El Valle de Comayagua en Honduras, ubicado en las coordenadas 14˚38’44.73” N y 87˚38’04.90” O, destaca por su altitud de 630 metros sobre el nivel del mar y su extensión de 52 km de largo por 15 km de ancho, abarcando 535 km². Carece de estudios que aborden su unidad territorial y geomorfológica. La investigación busca identificar y analizar la forma y elementos físicos naturales mediante el uso de Sistemas de Información Geográfica, trazando ríos, elaborando modelos de elevación digital y creando perfiles topográficos. Los resultados revelan elementos clave para comprender la ocupación y uso del territorio.

Resumo O Vale de Comayagua em Honduras, localizado nas coordenadas 14˚38’44.73” N e 87˚38’04.90” O, destaca-se por sua altitude de 630 metros acima do nível do mar e sua extensão de 52 km de comprimento por 15 km de largura, abrangendo 535 km². Carece de estudos que abordem sua unidade territorial e geomorfológica. A pesquisa busca identificar e analisar a forma e os elementos físicos naturais por meio do uso de Sistemas de Informação Geográfica, traçando rios, elaborando modelos de elevação digital e criando perfis topográficos. Os resultados revelam elementos-chave para compreender a ocupação e o uso do território.

Abstract The Comayagua Valley in Honduras, located at coordinates 14˚38’44.73” N and 87˚38’04.90” W, stands out for its altitude of 630 meters above sea level and its dimensions of 52 km in length by 15 km in width, covering an area of 535 km². Despite its economic and connectivity importance, there is a lack of studies addressing its territorial and geomorphological unity and a characterization of its current territorial morphology. The objective of the research is to identify and analyze the shape and natural physical elements that define the Comayagua Valley. To achieve this, Geographic Information Systems tools were used to analyze river layouts, create a digital elevation model, and generate topographic profiles. The main results of this analysis reveal the natural physical elements that shape the valley, which are of vital geo-historical importance for understanding the processes of occupation and land use in the valley.

Resumen El sufijo -ístico es anómalo en español en su forma porque tiene tres sílabas y es esdrújulo. Además, su segmentación puede ser ambigua, ya que se puede describir como resultado de una raíz + -ístico, o como una base terminada en -ista + -´ico. De acuerdo con sus características, este sufijo incumple los principios de la teoría de las preferencias de la morfología natural, particularmente dos: la forma óptima de la unidad y la transparencia morfotáctica. Por lo anterior, el sufijo -ístico resulta antinatural según este enfoque. En este artículo, propongo un análisis de -ístico como el resultado de la combinación de una base terminada en -ista + -ico, siguiendo la noción de solidaridad morfológica que también explico en este trabajo (Beniers 1996). Estos afijos se encuentran en una relación solidaria, de la que se sigue que no es necesario observar una palabra derivada con -ista en el proceso para emplear el sufijo -’ico sobre ella.

Abstract The suffix -ístico has an atypical form in Spanish because it has three syllables and is proparoxytone. Furthermore, its segmentation can be ambiguous, since it can be described as the result of a root + -ístico, or as a base ending in -ista + -’ico. According to these characteristics of -ístico, this suffix fails to follow the principles established by the preference theory of natural morphology, specifically two of them: the optimal shape of units and the morphotactic transparency. Because of this, -ístico seems unnatural from this approach. In this paper, I suggest an analysis of -ístico as a result of a combination of a base ending in -ista + -’ico, following the concept of morphological solidarity, which I will define in this paper also (Beniers 1996). These affixes are on a solidary relationship, from which it follows that it is unnecessary to observe a term derived with -ista in the process of using -’ico on it.

Resumen Este trabajo se centra en una construcción en español, censurada por los gramáticos, que combina la morfología de la pasiva perifrástica (ser + participio) con el multifuncional morfema reflexivo se y típicamente sirve para generalizar sobre procesos que afectan a clases de cosas o grupos de individuos (La energía incrementa cuando se es contenida). El interés por la formación de la construcción nos lleva a situar su origen en una estructura regular del idioma, conocida como “impersonal refleja con oración pasiva”, en la que se marca la indeterminación del sujeto paciente (cuando se es amado…). Desde este punto de vista, la “desviación” que manifiesta la construcción en estudio radica en la introducción de un sujeto explícito, con el efecto de que se borra el carácter impersonal del modelo original y se altera a la vez la función de se, que pasa a relacionarse con la llamada pasiva refleja del español. En la segunda parte de nuestra investigación, nos proponemos arrojar luz sobre la productividad de la construcción anómala, que desplegaron nuestras búsquedas en Google, apuntando al papel instrumental que juega el participio en propiciar cambios de perspectiva entre acciones pasivas y estados resultantes. Analizamos algunos ejemplos que ayudan a corroborar nuestra hipótesis, destacamos la expansión de la construcción a contextos no-genéricos y, finalmente, nos damos a la tarea de explicar cómo la pasiva anómala llega a utilizarse con verbos intransitivos inacusativos, según reflejan los datos recopilados para nuestro estudio.

Abstract The present work focuses on a construction in Spanish, censured by grammarians, which combines the morphology of the analytical or periphrastic passive (ser ‘be’ + participle) with the multifunctional reflexive morpheme se and typically serves to generalize over processes affecting classes of things or groups of individuals (La energía incrementa cuando se es contenida ‘Energy increases when (it is) contained’). Our interest in the genesis of the construction leads us to locate its source in a regular structure of the language, known as the “impersonal reflexive with a passive clause”, wherein se marks the unspecified identity of the patient subject (cuando se es amado…‘when one is loved...’). Viewed from this angle, the “deviant” feature of the construction in study thus resides in the introduction of an explicit subject, which has the effect of erasing the impersonal character of the source and of altering the function of se in ways that will impose a reference to the so-called reflexive passive of Spanish. In the second part of our research, we seek to account for the productivity of the anomalous construction, discovered through our perusal in Google, by calling attention to the instrumental role played by the participle in allowing shifts of perspective between passive actions and resulting states. We discuss some examples to corroborate our hypothesis, highlight the expansion of the construction to non-generic contexts and, as our final task, take on the challenge of having to explain how the anomalous passive comes to be used with intransitive unaccusative verbs, as evidenced in the data of our corpus.

Abstract Introduction. Cocoa cultivation in tropical areas is a commercially viable agroecological alternative that allows for productive diversification and sustainable soil management through the use of organic fertilization. Objective. To evaluate the development of four cocoa varieties (INIFAP 4, INIFAP 8, INIFAP 9, and Almendra Blanca) under the climatic conditions of the Úrsulo Galván region, Veracruz, Mexico. Materials and methods. An experiment was conducted between winter (December 2021) and summer (June 2022), using a completely randomized design with four treatments and ten replications. Conventional agronomic management was employed, with the addition of 10 kg of compost per tree, followed by 3 kg of vermicompost. At four months into the study, 50 g of urea, 50 g of ammonium diphosphate, and 50 g of potassium chloride were incorporated. The study included analysis of variance and Tukey’s tests (α 0.05). Results. Statistical equality was found for height, diameter, and number of branches. The cocoa’s response to temperature, precipitation, relative humidity, and wind showed that these factors influenced the expression of its productive potential, as well as its morphology and yield, without adapting to the climatic conditions under study. Conclusion. The development of the studied varieties was homogeneous based on the climatic conditions of the Ursulo Galvan region, with the Almendra Blanca variety standing out.

Resumen Introducción. El cultivo del cacao en las zonas tropicales es una alternativa comercial de interés agroecológico, que permite la diversificación productiva y el manejo sustentable de los suelos al emplear abonado orgánico. Objetivo. Evaluar el desarrollo de cuatro variedades de cacao (INIFAP 4, INIFAP 8, INIFAP 9 y Almendra Blanca) en las condiciones climatológicas de la región de Úrsulo Galván, Veracruz, México. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un experimento, entre invierno (diciembre 2021) y verano (junio 2022), bajo un diseño completamente al azar, distribuido en cuatro tratamientos y diez repeticiones. El manejo agronómico fue convencional, se agregaron 10 kg de composta por árbol, seguidos de 3 kg de vermicompost. A los cuatro meses del estudio se incorporaron 50 g de urea, 50 g de difosfato de amonio y 50 g de cloruro de potasio. El estudio incluyó análisis de varianza y pruebas de Tukey (α 0,05). Resultados. Se encontró igualdad estadística para altura, diámetro y número de ramas. La respuesta del cacao a temperatura, precipitación, humedad relativa y viento, demostró que afectaron la expresión de su potencial productivo, así como su morfología y rendimiento, no adaptándose a las condiciones climáticas en estudio. Conclusión. El desarrollo de las variedades en estudio fue homogéneo, con base en las condiciones climatológicas de la región Úrsulo Galván, destacándose la variedad Almendra Blanca.

ABSTRACT Purpose To evaluate the morphological and stereological parameters of the testicles in mice exposed to bisphenol S and/or high-fat diet-induced obesity. Material and Methods Forty adult male C57BL/6 mice were fed a standard diet (SC) or high-fat diet (HF) for a total of 12 weeks. The sample was randomly divided into 4 experimental groups with 10 mices as follows: a) SC - animals fed a standard diet; b) SC-B - animals fed a standard diet and administration of BPS (25 μg/kg of body mass/day) in drinking water; c) HF: animals fed a high-fat diet; d) HF-B - animals fed a high-fat diet and administration of BPS (25 μg/Kg of body mass/day) in drinking water. BPS administration lasted 12 weeks, following exposure to the SC and HF diets. BPS was diluted in absolute ethanol (0.1%) and added to drinking water (concentration of 25 μg/kg body weight/day). The animals were euthanized, and the testes were processed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) for morphometric and stereological parameters, including density of seminiferous tubules per area, length density and total length of seminiferous tubules, height of the tunica albuginea and the diameter of the seminiferous tubules. The images were captured with an Olympus BX51 microscope and Olympus DP70 camera. The stereological analysis was done with the Image Pro and Image J programs. Means were statistically compared using ANOVA and the Holm-Sidak post-test (p<0.05). Results The seminiferous tubule density per area reduced in all groups when compared with SC samples (p<0.001): HF (40%), SC-B 3(2%), and HF-B (36%). Length density was reduced significantly (p<0.001) in all groups when compared with SC group: HF (40%), SC-B (32%), and HF-B (36%). The seminiferous tubule total length was reduced (p<0.001) when compared to f HF (28%) and SC-B (26%) groups. The tubule diameter increased significantly (p<0.001) only when we compared the SC group with SC (54%) an SC-B (25%) groups and the tunica thickness increased significantly only in HF group (117%) when compared with SC-B (20%) and HF-B 31%. Conclusion Animals exposed to bisphenol S and/or high-fat diet-induced obesity presented important structural alterations in testicular morphology. andor highfat high fat dietinduced induced C57BL6 CBL C57BL 6 C BL C57BL/ (SC (HF 1 weeks follows b SCB B (2 μgkg μg kg mass/day massday mass day c d HFB μgKg Kg diets 0.1% 01 0 (0.1% concentration 2 weight/day. weightday weight/day . weight weight/day) euthanized H&E HE H E (H&E BX BX5 DP DP7 camera programs HolmSidak Holm Sidak posttest post test p<0.05. p005 p p<0.05 05 (p<0.05) p<0.001 p0001 001 40%, 40 40% , (40%) 32%, 32 3 2% 3(2%) 36%. 36 36% (36%) (p<0.001 32% (32%) 28% 28 (28% 26% 26 (26% 54% 54 (54% 25% (25% 117% 117 (117% 20% 20 (20% 31 31% morphology ( 0.1 (0.1 p00 p<0.0 (p<0.05 p<0.00 p000 00 (40% 3(2% (36% (p<0.00 (32% (28 (26 5 (54 11 (117 (20 0. (0. p0 p<0. (p<0.0 (40 3(2 (36 (32 (5 (11 (0 p<0 (p<0. (4 3( (3 (1 p< (p<0 (p< (p

ABSTRACT Purpose Varicocele is a condition known to cause damage to seminal parameters and sperm function. Furthermore, it has been hypothesized that the varicocele effect on fertility is time-dependent; however, little is known about the consequences of its establishment time on reproductive organs and/or sperm function. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the duration of experimental varicocele on reproductive organs, sperm parameters, and sperm function. Materials and Methods Varicocele induction surgeries were performed in Wistar rats aged 40 or 100 days old. At 160-day-old, analyses were performed, including biometry of reproductive organs (prostate, seminal vesicles, epididymis, and testis), sperm parameters (vitality, morphology, and motility), and sperm function tests (nuclear DNA integrity, acrosome integrity, and mitochondrial activity). Results The analysis of the biometry of reproductive organs showed no differences between distinct ages in which varicocele was induced. The total abnormal sperm morphology was bigger in animals with varicocele induced to 100 days old than in animals with varicocele induced to 40 days old. Regarding nuclear DNA integrity, animals of varicocele induced to 100 days old showed worse results compared to animals of varicocele induced to 40 days old. Other parameters analyzed showed no differences between varicocele groups. Conclusion In this study conducted on rats, we conclude that varicocele adversely affects sperm, particularly its function. However, we did not observe a negative progressive effect on sperm. Furthermore timedependent dependent time-dependent however andor 4 10 160dayold, 160dayold dayold 160 day old, 160-day-old prostate, prostate (prostate vesicles epididymis testis, testis , testis) vitality, vitality (vitality motility, motility motility) integrity activity. activity . activity) groups However 1 16

Since discovery and description of the species, Sahelanthropus tchadensis has been at the centre of a great discussion around its classification as a hominin - the first of our lineage - or an ape. Many studies have been conducted in order to clarify this question, especially studies based on the morphology of the cranium and the post-cranial remains. In this study, we analysed the posterior dentition of S. tchadensis in relation to those of other hominins and chimpanzees, using a multivariate comparative metric analysis. Our results suggest that the posterior dentition of the Chad material lies in the range of well-established early Plio-Pleistocene hominins, supporting its classification as part of the hominin lineage. SIGNIFICANCE: • The subject investigated in this study is important to the understanding of the first steps of human evolution. • Much has been discussed about this Chadian species. Some believe it is the first hominin, others believe it is an ape. • This study shows that the posterior dentition of S. tchadensis does not preclude it from being a hominin.

Verlorenvlei is a globally important RAMSAR wetland on the arid west coast of South Africa. A prolonged drought between 2016 and 2021 and increasing competition for water from the agricultural sector resulted in extremely low water levels. We used historical aerial and satellite imagery from 1942 and rainfall and water level data for the past 50 years, to assess habitat changes within the estuarine functional zone of the Verlorenvlei Estuarine Lake. Prior to the drought, lake water levels and water surface area remained stable (1113 ± 27 ha (SE)). Since then, there has been a 64% decrease in open water area, exposing 193 ha of sandbanks, of which 190.9 ha were hyper-sulfidic pyrite-rich. The water in the lower lake was hypersaline (>100), and in the middle, it was acidic (pH<3). The low water level plus sediment and nutrient input from surrounding agriculture resulted in a localised increase in reeds. Additional pressures, such as fires, have reduced the above-ground biomass of reeds and sedges, potentially altering surface morphology and reducing stored carbon. Despite flooding and filling up in June 2023, the lake remained in an acidic state (3.9-4.3). Similar low-lake level, hypersaline and acidic conditions are predicted to become more common under future climate change scenarios where aridity and extreme weather events are anticipated. Inflow of fresh water into the estuary and control of farming practices are required to keep the Verlorenvlei in a functional state, with long-term monitoring necessary to assess the ecological condition in response to restoration actions. SIGNIFICANCE: We assessed the habitat changes in Verlorenvlei, an estuarine lake on the arid west coast of South Africa. Estuarine lakes are scarce, and an extended drought greatly reduced the water surface area, exposing hyper-sulfidic pyrite-rich soils, leading to lake acidification and a negative response from biota. Competition for water from agribusiness and the burning of reeds are added pressures. Subsequent heavy rains have been slow to buffer lake acidity, and the impacts thereof serve as a warning for the management of similar ecosystems and their ecological water requirements, especially under climate change where extreme weather conditions, increased aridity and competition for water are realities.

Abstract In view of enhanced Pc applications, doped materials have drawn much attention. The present work focused on synthesizing pure and Pd doped WO3 Np, which were used as Pc for MB and RhB aqueous solutions discoloration, under VL, by a unique MWI technique. XRD and TEM studies revealed that Pd dopant did not influence WO3 samples structure and morphology, since they had mono-dispersed spherical forms, with an average diameter of about 50-30 nm. Optical spectra showed a red shift in the absorption edges, with an increase in Ct of Pd from 0 to 10 wt%, which indicates the decrease in Eg of WO3 with Pd doping. Eg was calculated as 3.02, 2.84 and 2.73 eV, for pure and Pd (5 and 10 wt%) doped WO3 samples, respectively. Pc intensity of Pd doped WO3 was significantly higher than that of the pure one. This was due to the recombination of photo-excited electrons and holes. Pc activities of pure and Pd doped WO3 samples were analyzed based on their ability to degrade MB and RhB dyes under VL. Pd doped WO3 showed better Pc degradation, due to an increase in SA, and a decrease in Eg and O vacancies.

ABSTRACT Drought is a significant abiotic constraint in Salvia miltiorrhiza production, particularly during seedling cultivation. Therefore, researching drought resistance is crucial. This study aimed to investigate the effects of drought stress on the agronomic and physiological characteristics of S. miltiorrhiza at the seedling stage, evaluate drought resistance of various germplasms, and identify drought resistance markers. To simulate drought stress, five different concentrations of polyethylene glycol (PEG) (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) were applied to four S. miltiorrhiza germplasms at the seedling stage. Agronomic traits, root morphology, and physiological and biochemical indicators were measured. The data were then analyzed using the membership function method, correlation analysis, and stepwise regression analysis. The results revealed that as the PEG concentration increased, the aboveground agronomic traits and underground root morphology of the four S. miltiorrhiza germplasms showed a decline. The activities of catalase and peroxidase initially increased and then decreased, while the contents of soluble sugar (SS), soluble protein, and proline increased compared to the control. Based on the membership function values of 16 morphological and physiological indicators, the drought resistance order of the four S. miltiorrhiza germplasms was as follows: Yudanshen VD > Yudanshen VA > Yudanshen VB > Yudanshen VC. Additionally, an optimal regression equation (D = 0.887X1 - 0.003X2 + 0.142X3) was developed through stepwise regression analysis, indicating that X1, X2, and X3 represent the maximum root length, root surface area, and SS content, respectively. Consequently, this study presents a comprehensive and reliable method for evaluating drought resistance in S. miltiorrhiza germplasm resources.

Abstract Background: Nostocales is a widely distributed, monophyletic order of cyanobacteria, whose species are mainly characterized by the presence of specialized structures such as heterocytes and akinetes. Despite being the most diverse group in marine environments, little is known about coastal species in Mexico. Particularly in Veracruz, only 17 species have been recorded, without photographic, morphological references, or ecological data; these records are only mentioned in floristic lists. Questions and / or Hypotheses: The present study aimed to contribute to the knowledge of the diversity of benthic marine Nostocales species in Veracruz, Mexico, as well as to provide detailed descriptions and illustrations of the species found, which can serve as a reference in subsequent studies. Study site and dates: Collect of cyanobacterial growths were made in three locations throughout Veracruz in 2020. Methods: The organisms were isolated from the field material. With the use of specialized taxonomic keys, they were morphologically identified, described and photographed. Results: A total of 20 Nostocales species were obtained, of which 17 were additions to the phycoflora of Veracruz, constituting an increase of 55 %. Taxonomic notes are added highlighting their differences with the literature. One of the species was identified as cf. and seven as sp., because their characteristics fully coincided with the generic morphology, but did not completely concur with the literature. Conclusions: These suggest that several records could correspond to new taxon not yet described that must be confirmed with different molecular markers.

Resumen: Antecedentes: Nostocales es un orden monofilético de cianobacterias, ampliamente distribuido, cuyas especies se caracterizan principalmente por la presencia de estructuras especializadas como heterocitos y acinetos. A pesar de ser el grupo más diverso en ambientes marinos, en México se conoce poco sobre las especies litorales. Particularmente en Veracruz solo se han registrado 17 especies, sin referencias fotográficas, morfológicas, ni datos ecológicos; estos registros solo se mencionan en listas florísticas. Preguntas y / o Hipótesis: El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo contribuir al conocimiento de la diversidad de especies Nostocales marinos bentónicos en Veracruz, México, así como brindar descripciones e ilustraciones detalladas de las especies encontradas, que puedan servir como referencia en estudios posteriores. Sitio y años de estudio: Se realizaron recolectas de crecimientos de cianobacterias en tres localidades de Veracruz en 2020. Métodos: A partir del material de campo se aislaron los organismos. Con el uso de claves taxonómicas especializadas se identificaron morfológicamente, describieron y fotografiaron. Resultados: Se obtuvo un total de 20 especies de Nostocales, de las cuales 17 fueron adiciones a la ficoflora de Veracruz, constituyendo un incremento del 55 %. Se agregan notas taxonómicas destacando las diferencias de estas con la literatura. Una de las especies fue identificada como cf. y siete como sp., debido a que sus características coincidían plenamente con la morfología genérica, pero no lo hacían completamente con la literatura. Conclusiones: Estos sugieren que varios registros podrían corresponder a nuevo taxón aún no descrita que deben ser confirmados con diferentes marcadores moleculares.

Abstract Background: The chloroplast genomes of Cactaceae exhibit boundary modifications in the inverted repeat regions (IRs), gene inversions, and deletions. Among nine Mammillaria species, three distinct chloroplast structures have been identified, although not all of these correspond to the morphology-based classification of the genus. Question: Is there a distinct chloroplast genome structure in the species of Mammillaria series Stylothelae? Studied species: Mammillaria bocasana and M. erythrosperma. Study site and dates: Mexico from 2019 to 2023. Methods: Chloroplast DNA was sequenced, and chloroplast genomes were de novo assembled using the Fast-Plast program. Complete plastome sequences were annotated and verified. The sequences were aligned in MAUVE program to detect possible structural changes. A maximum likelihood phylogeny was executed to evaluate the relationships of the studied species. Results: The plastomes ranged from 107,368 bp in Mammillaria bocasana to 108,069 bp in M. erythrosperma. Both presented a quadripartite structure and contained 108 genes. The IRs were ~ 1,600 bp long and included the genes rpl2, rpl23 (pseudo), and trnI-CAU. MAUVE identified a ~ 21 kb inversion in the large single copy containing a block of genes related to photosynthesis. The phylogenetic analysis placed both species in a single clade separated from the other species within Mammillaria subg. Mammillaria. Conclusions: The studied species of Mammillaria series Stylothelae exhibited a different and synapomorphic chloroplast genome structure. Other Mammillaria chloroplast genome structures have evolved independently in different lineages.

Resumen Antecedentes: Los genomas de cloroplasto de Cactaceae exhiben modificaciones en los límites de las regiones repetidas inversas (IRs), inversiones de genes y deleciones. En nueve especies de Mammillaria, se han encontrado tres estructuras de cloroplasto distintas, aunque no todas corresponden a las clasificaciones basadas en morfología. Pregunta: ¿Existe una estructura de genoma de cloroplasto distinta en las especies de Mammillaria serie Stylothelae? Especies estudiadas: Mammillaria bocasana y M. erythrosperma. Sitio y años de estudio: México, de 2019 a 2023. Métodos: ADN de cloroplasto fue secuenciado y los plastomas fueron ensamblados de novo usando el programa Fast-Plast. Las secuencias completas fueron anotadas y verificadas. Las secuencias fueron alineadas en el programa MAUVE para detectar posibles cambios estructurales. Un análisis filogenético con máxima verosimilitud evaluó las relaciones de las especies estudiadas. Resultados: Los plastomas variaron desde 107,368 pb de longitud en Mammillaria bocasana hasta 108,069 pb en M. erythrosperma. Ambos presentaron una estructura cuadripartita y contuvieron 108 genes. Las IRs tuvieron ~1,600 pb y contuvieron los genes rpl2, rpl23 (pseudo) y trnI-CAU. MAUVE identificó una inversión de ~21 kb en la región larga de copia única que contiene genes relacionados con la fotosíntesis. El análisis filogenético recuperó a ambas especies como grupos hermanos dentro de Mammillaria subg. Mammillaria. Conclusiones: Las dos especies estudiadas de Mammillaria serie Stylothelae presentaron una estructura de plastoma sinapomórfica. Otras estructuras de plastomas de Mammillaria han evolucionado independientemente en linajes diferentes.