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 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: The unplanned and fragmented urban development of cities has caused them to be responsible for most of the planet's unsustainable development. Urban sustainability emerges as a response to this imbalance. Throughout its history, Guayaquil has shown unplanned urban growth that has continuously degraded its natural resources, such as forests and estuaries. The present research aims to evaluate the level of sustainability resulting from such change at the neighborhood level in Guayaquil. The study analyzes urban indicators of six representative neighbourhoods of the city regarding socioeconomic and historical factors. Thus, indicators were analyzed with respect to form, diversity, mobility, and environmental quality. The methodology includes an analysis for selecting variables, a study of the neighbourhoods' morphology using geo-portal map and information gathering through field studies and data processing. The results allow inferring the variables' influence on the sustainability level of each analyzed neighbourhood and how density, diversity and environmental quality play a vital role in developing greater sustainability at the neighbourhood and city levels.

Resumen: El desarrollo urbano no planificado y fragmentado de las ciudades ha ocasionado que estas sean responsables de la mayor parte del desarrollo no sustentable del planeta. La sostenibilidad urbana surge como medida de respuesta ante esta descompensación. La ciudad de Guayaquil presenta a lo largo de su historia un crecimiento urbano no planificado que continuamente ha degradado sus recursos naturales, como bosques y esteros. La presente investigación tiene como objetivo evaluar el nivel de sostenibilidad resultante de tal crecimiento a nivel barrial en Guayaquil. El estudio analiza indicadores urbanos de seis barrios representativos de la ciudad en cuanto a factores socioeconómicos e históricos. Se analizaron indicadores con respecto a la forma, diversidad, movilidad y calidad ambiental. La metodología utilizada recoge un análisis para la selección de variables, estudio de la morfología de los barrios realizada por medio de mapas de geo portales, relevamiento de información a través de estudio de campo y procesamiento de datos. Los resultados permiten inferir la influencia de las variables en el nivel de sostenibilidad de cada uno de los barrios analizados y como la densidad, la diversidad y calidad ambiental desempeñan un papel primordial en el desarrollo de una mayor sostenibilidad a nivel barrial y de ciudad.

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.

Resumen: Antecedentes: La Faja Volcánica Trans Mexicana (TMVB) se caracteriza por picos de gran altitud e inestabilidad geológica. En esta zona, Pinus strobiformis y Pinus ayacahuite forman una zona de contacto con Pinus veitchii. La circunscripción taxonómica de los pinos blancos en el Centro de México ha sido inestable, especialmente en lo que respecta a P. veitchii. Preguntas: ¿Cuáles son los límites de especies del complejo de pinos blancos mexicanos? ¿Es Pinus veitchii un híbrido o un linaje independiente? Especies estudiadas: Complejo de especies Pinus strobiformis, Pinus veitchii y Pinus ayacahuite. Lugar y fechas del estudio: Estados Unidos de América y México de 2003 a 2022. Métodos: Realizamos análisis multivariados de 10 caracteres morfológicos y caracterizamos la divergencia de nichos climáticos y la diferenciación genética utilizando SNPs. Resultados: Nuestros resultados mostraron que P. veitchii es morfológicamente similar a P. strobiformis, pero no parece tener valores morfológicos intermedios con P. ayacahuite. La diferenciación de nichos ecológicos entre especies no fue significativa. Los análisis genéticos mostraron a P. veitchii como un linaje independiente con evidencia de introgresión con P. ayacahuite, lo que sugiere flujo génico pero no origen híbrido. Conclusiones: Dos de las tres líneas de evidencia respaldan tres linajes independientes. La información ambiental mostró conservadurismo de nicho, la morfología y la estructura genética mostraron diferenciación de los tres taxones, y los análisis genéticos recuperaron cierta mezcla entre las poblaciones de P. veitchii y P. ayacahuite, lo que sugiere una compleja historia demográfica en la Faja Volcánica Trans Mexicana.

Abstract Background: The Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt (TMVB) in central Mexico is characterized by peaks of high altitude and geologic instability. In this zone, Pinus strobiformis and Pinus ayacahuite form a contact zone with Pinus veitchii. The taxonomical circumscription of white pines in Central Mexico has been unstable, especially regarding the status of P. veitchii. Questions: What are the species boundaries of the montane Mexican white pines species complex? Is Pinus veitchii a hybrid or an independently evolving lineage? Studied species: Pinus strobiformis, Pinus veitchii and Pinus ayacahuite species complex. Study site and dates: United States of America and Mexico from 2003 to 2022. Methods: We performed multivariate analyses on 10 morphological characters and characterized the climatic niche divergence and the genetic differentiation using SNPs. Results: Our results showed that P. veitchii is morphologically similar to P. strobiformis, but does not have intermediate morphological values with P. ayacahuite. The ecological niche differentiation was not significant. Genetic analyses showed P. veitchii as an independent lineage with evidence of admixture with P. ayacahuite, suggesting a gene flow but not a hybrid origin. Conclusions: Two of the three lines of evidence support three independent lineages. Environmental information showed niche conservatism, morphology and genetic structure showed differentiation of all three taxa, with a greater morphological similarity between P. strobiformis and P. veitchii, and genetic analyses recovered evidence of introgression, suggesting a complex demographic history in the Trans Mexican Volcanic Belt.

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: 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: 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.

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: Calotropis procera es nativa del trópico y subtrópico de Asia y África. En México se encuentra en Yucatán, Quintana Roo y Oaxaca. Preguntas y / o Hipótesis: ¿La morfometría de frutos y semillas varía en donde es nativa o exótica? ¿Las estructuras de la semilla de Calotropis procera han sido bien identificadas? Especie de estudio: La exótica Calotropis procera ya se ha reportado en varios estados de México, sin embargo, hay poca información sobre su biología reproductiva en las poblaciones mexicanas. Sitio y años de estudio: Los frutos se colectaron en Oaxaca, México en septiembre de 2019. Métodos: Se obtuvieron datos morfométricos de frutos y semillas y se tomaron imágenes mediante microscopía. Resultados: Los frutos son folículos ovoides y coriáceos. El promedio de semillas por fruto es de 364 ± 86 (DE). La semilla es café y aplanada dorsoventralmente. El largo es de 8.37 ± 0.413 mm, ancho de 5.01 ± 0.39 mm y el peso es de 10.5 ± 7.86 mg. Se reporta la posición del hilo y del micrópilo y la existencia de dos tipos de tricomas en la testa. Sugerimos que el relieve en la superficie ventral de la semilla es el rafe. Conclusiones: De los datos obtenidos concluimos que las características de frutos y semillas están bien conservadas en esta especie. Confirmamos la posición del hilo y del micrópilo, y reportamos la existencia de dos tipos de tricomas en la testa. Se sugiere la posición del rafe, lo que puede apoyar en futuros estudios taxonómicos.

Abstract Background: Calotropis procera is a plant native from the tropics and subtropics of Asia and Africa. In Mexico, its presence is now registered in Yucatán, Quintana Roo and Oaxaca. Questions and / or Hypotheses: Fruit and seed morphometry vary among places where it is native or exotic? Are seed structures well identified in Calotropis procera? Studied species: The exotic Calotropis procera has been already reported in several states in Mexico, however, information about its reproductive biology in Mexican populations is scarce. Studied site and dates: Fruits were collected in Oaxaca, Mexico in September 2019. Methods: We obtained fruit and seed morphometric data and seed images with microscopy. Results: The fruits are green and ovoid. The average number of seeds per fruit is 364 ± 86 (SD). The seed is brown and flattened dorsoventrally. The length of the seeds is 8.37 ± 0.413 mm, the width is 5.01 ± 0.39 mm, and the weight is 10.5 ± 7.86 mg. The position of the hilum and the micropyle is reported and the occurrence of two types of trichomes on the testa. We suggest that the protrusion on the ventral surface of the seed is the raphe. Conclusions: From data obtained we concluded that fruit and seed characteristics are well conserved in this species. We confirmed the position of the hilum and micropyle and reported the presence of two types of trichomes in the testa. Location of the raphe is suggested, providing information that may be useful for future taxonomic studies.

BACKGROUND. Although leprosy, a neglected tropical disease, has been eliminated (<1 case per 10 000 population) in South Africa (SA) since 1926, according to the World Health Organization, new cases continue to be reported. The management of leprosy poses several challenges, including patient adherence, education and insufficient training of healthcare practitioners. OBJECTIVES. To describe the biographical profile, clinical manifestations and treatment outcomes in patients with leprosy in KwaZulu-Natal Province. METHODS. This retrospective study aimed to analyse the clinical data of leprosy patients in SA from 2002 to 2022. Data collected included patient demographics, comorbidities, cutaneous and neurological manifestations of leprosy, complications, treatment and adverse reactions. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data. RESULTS. The study analysed the clinical data of 194 leprosy patients from 2002 to 2022. The majority of patients were male and middle aged, with a disproportionate representation of black South Africans. Regarding socioeconomic status, 80% were unemployed and 40% were social grant recipients. Most cases were clustered in urban centres and diagnosed at secondary care facilities, with 15% being HIV positive. The majority of patients (90%) were classified as having multibacillary leprosy. Common symptoms included upper respiratory tract involvement, hair loss and painful nerves, with the face and limbs being most frequently affected. Cutaneous morphology predominantly included plaques and hypopigmented patches, while neurological signs included ulnar nerve tenderness, muscle weakness and sensory deficits. Debilitating neurological complications were found in one-fifth of patients. Despite initiation of multidrug therapy in most patients, a significant proportion (27.3%) did not complete the full course of treatment, and treatment reactions were noted in 33.5% of patients. CONCLUSION. These findings emphasise the urgent need for enhanced patient and healthcare worker education, particularly in primary healthcare settings, to improve adherence to treatment, advocate for prophylactic measures and prevent new cases. Achieving leprosy-free status in SA requires the collaboration of many role-players to address these challenges and improve healthcare practices.

RESUMEN Con el objetivo de evaluar la morfología del polen en especies melíferas del bosque seco tropical del recinto Quimis, se seleccionaron cinco apiarios distribuidos en dicha formación vegetal, se recolectaron las cargas de polen obtenidas directamente de los apiarios y se registró la flora apícola de acuerdo al tiempo de floración. Los resultados revelaron 21 especies melíferas pertenecientes a 13 familias y 21 géneros, Convolvulus arvensis, Eriotheca ruizii, Ceiba trischistandra y Prosopis pallida las especies más frecuentes y la familia más abundante fue la Fabaceae. En relación con las unidades de polen, el 0,95 % corresponde al tipo mónada y referente a la simetría, el 0,67 % se caracteriza por ser de tipo radiosimétrico, mientras que el 0,48 % presenta aberturas tricolporadas. Con respecto a la forma de la exina, el 0,43 % exhibe una forma psilada, y el 0,38 % mostró forma esferoidal. Los meses de mayor floración coincidieron con junio, julio y agosto, que corresponden a la temporada seca. La gran mayoría de las especies nectaríferas y poliníferas resultaron ser dominantes, con la excepción de Bonellia sprucei, Caesalpinia paipai y Trema micrantha, Muntingia calabura, Cojoba arborea, Sarcomphalus thyrsiflorus, Bursera graveolens, las cuales solo proporcionan polen y Cordia lutea y Cynophalla sclerophylla, que son productoras de néctar.

RESUMO Com o objetivo de avaliar a morfologia polínica de espécies melíferas na floresta tropical seca do Recinto dos Quimis, foram selecionados cinco apiários distribuídos nessa formação vegetal, coletadas cargas de pólen obtidas diretamente dos apiários e registrada a flora apícola de acordo com a época de floração. Os resultados revelaram 21 espécies melíferas pertencentes a 13 famílias e 21 gêneros, sendo que Convolvulus arvensis, Eriotheca ruizii, Ceiba trischistandra e Prosopis pallida foram as espécies mais frequentes e a família mais abundante foi Fabaceae. Em relação às unidades polínicas, 0,95% corresponde ao tipo mônada e, com relação à simetria, 0,67% é caracterizado pelo tipo radiossimétrico, enquanto 0,48% tem aberturas tricolporadas. Com relação à forma da exina, 0,43% exibiu uma forma psilada e 0,38% uma forma esferoidal. Os meses de pico de floração coincidiram com junho, julho e agosto, que correspondem à estação seca. A grande maioria das espécies produtoras de néctar e poliníferas foi considerada dominante, com exceção de Bonellia sprucei, Caesalpinia paipai e Trema micrantha, Muntingia calabura, Cojoba arborea, Sarcomphalus thyrsiflorus, Bursera graveolens, que fornecem apenas pólen, e Cordia lutea e Cynophalla sclerophylla, que são produtoras de néctar.

ABSTRACT With the objective of evaluating the morphology of pollen in honey species from the tropical dry forest of the Quimis enclosure, five apiaries distributed in said plant formation were selected, the pollen loads obtained directly from the apiaries were collected and the bee flora was recorded according to the flowering time. The results revealed 21 honey species belonging to 13 families and 21 genera, being Convolvulus arvensis, Eriotheca ruizii, Ceiba trischistandra and Prosopis pallida the most common species and the most abundant family was Fabaceae. In relation to the pollen units, 0.95% corresponds to the monad type and referring to symmetry, 0.67% is characterized by being of the radiosymmetric type, while 0.48% has tricolporate openings. Regarding the shape of the exine, 0.43% exhibited a psyllate shape, and 0.38% showed a spheroidal shape. The months of greatest flowering coincided with June, July and August, which correspond to the dry season. The vast majority of nectariferous and polliniferous species were dominant, with the exception of Bonellia sprucei, Caesalpinia paipai and Trema micrantha, Muntingia calabura, Cojoba arborea, Sarcomphalus thyrsiflorus, Bursera graveolens, which only provide pollen and Cordia lutea and Cynophalla sclerophylla, which are nectar producers.

Abstract To assess the effect of different whitening toothpastes on enamel surface morphology, chemical profile and their whitening efficiency. Sixty teeth were divided into 5 groups (12 teeth/group); Gp I: brushed with no toothpaste. Gp II: brushed with Pearl-based toothpaste. Gp III: brushed with Charcoal- based toothpaste. Gp IV: brushed with Alumina-based toothpaste. Gp V: brushed with salt and lemon- based toothpaste. Each tooth was brushed with a bean sized toothpaste wetted with distilled water twice daily by using standard electronic toothbrush for four weeks. Enamel surface morphology, chemical profile and color of each tooth were investigated. Chemical profile results and color measurements were analyzed statistically. Gp I revealed normal enamel surface morphology and chemical profile. Gp II and Gp III demonstrated surface morphology close to Gp I with insignificant reduction in mineral content. Gp IV showed obvious shallowing of perikymata ridges, exposure of fish-scale appearance, with pits and depressions, alongside to the significant reduction in mineral content. Gp V presented the most enamel surface alteration with widening of prism sheath and depressions all over the surface, besides the highest significant reduction in mineral content. Gp V, followed by Gp IV, demonstrated the highest color and whiteness changes, followed by Gp III, then Gp II, while the lowest value was in Gp I. Salt & lemon-based toothpaste, followed by Alumina-based, exerted the most considerable changes in the morphology and chemical profile of the enamel surface, beside to the higher whitening effects on teeth than the others.

Resumen El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar el efecto de diferentes pastas dentales blanqueadoras sobre la morfología y el perfil químico de la superficie del esmalte y su eficacia blanqueadora. Sesenta dientes se dividieron en 5 grupos (12 dientes/grupo); Grupo I: cepillado sin pasta de dientes. Grupo II: cepillado con pasta de dientes a base de perlas. Grupo III: cepillado con pasta de dientes a base de carbón. Grupo IV: cepillado con pasta de dientes a base de Alúmina. Grupo V: cepillado con sal y pasta de dientes a base de limón. Cada diente se cepilló con una pasta de dientes del tamaño de un frijol humedecida con agua destilada dos veces al día utilizando un cepillo de dientes electrónico estándar durante cuatro semanas. Se investigaron la morfología de la superficie del esmalte, el perfil químico y el color de cada diente. Los resultados del perfil químico y las mediciones de color se analizaron estadísticamente. El Grupo I reveló una morfología de la superficie del esmalte y un perfil químico normales. Los Grupos II y III demostraron una morfología de superficie cercana a la del Grupo I con una reducción insignificante en el contenido mineral. El grupo IV mostró una evidente reducción de las crestas perikymatas, exposición de apariencia de escamas de pez, con hoyos y depresiones, junto con una reducción significativa en el contenido mineral. El grupo V presentó la mayor alteración de la superficie del esmalte con ensanchamiento de la vaina del prisma y depresiones en toda la superficie, además de una significativa reducción en el contenido mineral. El grupo V, seguido del grupo IV, demostró los mayores cambios de color y blancura, seguido del grupo III, luego el grupo II, mientras que el valor más bajo se presentó en el grupo I. Las pastas dentales a base de sal y limón, seguidas de las de alúmina, ejercieron los cambios más considerables en la morfología y el perfil químico de la superficie del esmalte, además de tener mayores efectos blanqueadores sobre los dientes que las demás.

Wetland delineation in South Africa incorporates soil form and soil wetness indicators, requiring formal soil classification and description of soil redox morphology. The current wetland definition used administratively in South Africa focuses on saturated (hydric) soil signatures within plant root zones. Saturated soil horizons deeper than plant root zones fall outside the 50 cm criterion in the local approach as well as the accepted zone in USA literature. The field of hydropedology accommodates the classification of the various hydrologically active horizons and provides a tool for the handling of horizons with ephemeral wetness. This approach has been variably accepted by mandated authorities in South Africa. The South African soil classification system has evolved through three editions over the past 50 years while retaining the same redox morphology understanding. However, despite the concepts and context of redox morphology having been thoroughly technically adopted by soil scientists, this is not the case within the wetland research and management environment. This especially because the classification system is structured differently from other international systems, and the South African landscape is geologically ancient with mature soils, introducing challenges to resource assessment specialists who rely on international norms and approaches for wetland assessment. This paper reviews the various components of soil classification and redox morphology based on Fe and Mn minerals within the context of the South African soil classification system, the field of hydropedology and wetland delineation indicators. We provide a qualitative correlation between the various diagnostic horizons and materials in the system and their related redox morphology contexts that are relevant to wetland assessment, delineation, and protection in South Africa. This paper therefore aims to serve as a reference point for the description and correlation of various soil hydrological parameters used in formal assessments.

Abstract Background: Allium glandulosum Link & Otto is widely distributed in America, extending from the southern United States to Mexico and Centroamerica. In Mexico, its distribution encompasses 27 states, with contrasting habitats. However, whether this distribution pattern corresponds to a wide morphological variation has not been studied. Research question and/or Hypothesis: Is it possible to distinguish populations of Allium glandulosum along its Mexican distribution based on the morphological variations observed in its flowers and vegetative components? Species under study: Allium glandulosum Link & Otto. Study site and dates: Populations of Allium glandulosum distributed across the Volcanic Axis and the Mexican Plateau, during 2020. Methods: Morphological traits, both qualitative and quantitative, were identified and measured from herbarium specimens and field-collected samples. Univariate and multivariate statistical methods were employed to characterize and summarize the variability observed in the field-collected specimens and herbarium materials. Results: The principal component analysis revealed that 14 traits accounted for 51.29 % of the total accumulated variation cross the first three components. The linear discriminant analysis resulted in the formation of four groups, with a classification rate of 71.53 % for individuals. The cluster analysis identified four distinct groupings characterized by both quantitative and qualitative traits. Conclusions: Variations in vegetative and floral morphology in Allium glandulosum allow for population differentiation across its Mexican distribution.

Resumen Antecedentes: Allium glandulosum Link & Otto se distribuye ampliamente desde el sur de Estados Unidos, México y Centroamérica. En México se distribuye en 27 estados, en ambientes contrastantes. Sin embargo, no se ha estudiado si su patrón de distribución se refleja en una amplia variación morfológica. Pregunta y/o Hipótesis: ¿La variación morfológica vegetativa y floral en Allium glandulosum a lo largo de su distribución en México permite diferenciar entre poblaciones de esta especie? Especie de estudio: Allium glandulosum Link & Otto. Sitio y fechas de estudio: Poblaciones de Allium glandulosum con distribución en el Eje Volcánico Transmexicano y la Altiplanicie Mexicana, durante el 2020. Métodos: Se determinaron y midieron caracteres morfológicos cualitativos y cuantitativos de ejemplares herborizados y de especímenes recolectados en campo. Se emplearon métodos estadísticos univariados y multivariados para describir y sintetizar la variabilidad de las recolectas de campo y materiales herborizados. Resultados: El análisis de componentes principales mostró que 14 caracteres representan el 51.29 % de la variación total acumulada en los primeros tres componentes. El análisis discriminante lineal resulto en la formación de cuatro grupos y el porcentaje de clasificación de los individuos fue de 71.53 %. El análisis de conglomerados mostró cuatro agrupaciones, diferenciados por caracteres cuantitativos y cualitativos. Conclusiones: La variación morfológica vegetativa y floral de Allium glandulosum permite diferenciar entre las poblaciones de la especie a lo largo de su distribución en México.