Urbanization has transformed natural ecosystems, creating major challenges for biodiversity conservation. Ex situ conservation strategies implemented within cities can help mitigate species loss. This study evaluated the long-term survival of eight vascular epiphyte species established on urban trees as part of a biodiversity enrichment initiative in Medellín, Colombia. A total of 310 individuals belonging to four families (Araceae, Aspleniaceae, Bromeliaceae, and Orchidaceae) were established on 50 host trees across three parks within the Parques del Río ecological corridor and monitored over seven years (2016–2023). Kaplan–Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify factors associated with mortality. Overall, survival was 32 %, with significant differences among species and sites. Anthurium salvinii showed the highest survival, whereas Asplenium sp. and Guzmania sp. experienced the greatest losses. Establishment height positively influenced survival, while position on the tree and bark type showed no consistent effects. Although host tree species identity did not significantly affect mortality risk, survival varied among individual trees, suggesting that fine-scale microhabitat conditions and tree-level management influence outcomes. These findings demonstrate that vascular epiphytes can persist in urban environments when planting height is carefully considered, and when individual host trees are selected based on favorable structural and management conditions rather than taxonomic identity. The study provides evidence-based guidelines for integrating epiphytes into tropical urban green infrastructure.
This systematic review aims to analyze the current evidence on the utility of biomarkers for differential diagnosis and predictions of severity in patients infected with dengue (DENV), chikungunya (CHIKV), Zika (ZIKV), and oropouche (OROV) viruses. The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and included 30 full-text, indexed, and open-access studies published between 2019 and June 1st, 2025. A wide range of clinically relevant biomarkers were identified, including inflammatory markers, indicators of hepatic injury, metabolic dysfunction, endothelial activation, coagulation abnormalities, immunological, transcriptomic, neurological, cardiovascular, and tissue damage biomarkers, as well as viral epitopes, microRNAs, cerebrospinal fluid proteins, and imaging findings. The results underscore the critical role of biomarkers in both the differential diagnosis of arboviral infections and prediction of clinical severity. In conclusion, while biomarkers hold great promise for enhancing the clinical management of arboviral diseases, their effective implementation will require standardized validation processes, technological accessibility, and strengthened health systems in endemic regions.
Biometric seed characteristics, such as size, mass, and moisture, can significantly influence germination potential and possibly the efficiency of dormancy-breaking treatments. Leucaena leucocephala, an invasive exotic plant native to Central America, has dormant seeds, a mechanism that prevents immediate germination. Although this species has been extensively studied, no research has yet linked biometric seed characteristics to dormancy-breaking. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of L. leucocephala seed size on the effectiveness of different dormancy-breaking treatments. The width, thickness, and length of seeds from both treatments were measured using a digital caliper. The moisture content was then assessed. For the germination test, small (mean width = 3.94 mm; mean length = 6.36 mm) and large (mean width = 5.23 mm; mean length = 9.59 mm) seeds were separated into four treatments (chemical scarification with 98% sulfuric acid for 15 minutes (CS), manual scarification with sandpaper 100 (MS), hot water immersion at 80 °C for 10 minutes (HWI), and a control treatment (C)). In terms of germination percentage, both small and large seeds performed better in the MS and HWI treatments. The germination speed index was higher for both seed sizes when treated with MS. When MS was used, longer seeds showed higher germination percentages, and seeds with higher moisture produced shorter radicles. Thus, the efficiency of dormancy-breaking treatments may differ between large and small seeds.
Heavy metal pollution is an increasing threat to biodiversity in Colombia, particularly in regions affected by gold and coal mining, agrochemical use, and vegetation burning. This review summarizes scientific evidence regarding the bioaccumulation and toxic effects of heavy metals—mainly mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn)—on amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. A total of 34 articles published up to 2024 were analyzed, 10 of them since 2020, focusing on bioindicator species and the detection of metals in tissues (liver, muscle, feathers, blood, feces, eggs, and mucous membranes), as well as on biomarkers of genotoxic damage and oxidative stress. In amphibians, Hg bioaccumulation was observed in both direct- and indirect-developing species, with effects on survival, growth, and diversity in mining areas. In reptiles, particularly Trachemys callirostris and Iguana iguana, Hg levels and genotoxic effects in blood and tissues were reported. In aquatic and terrestrial birds, metals were detected in feathers, blood, and eggs, affecting different trophic levels. In mammals, bioaccumulation was documented in bats, river dolphins, otters, and wild rodents, with genetic damage and gene expression changes associated with oxidative stress. This review highlights gaps in systematic monitoring and in the assessment of long-term ecological effects, and underscores the importance of studies for guiding mitigation measures and strengthening conservation policies in the country’s strategic ecosystems.
Wetlands are highly productive and complex, considered fragile ecosystems of great importance for conservation. The Ayapel swamp system is the second largest in Colombia. In the context of a study of the Ayapel Swamp diatom flora, we found that a large proportion of taxa could not be assigned to known species. Furthermore, identified species were mainly species endemic to the study area or to the Neotropics. Between 2006–2009, sampling was conducted spanning three hydrological cycles under different flood pulse conditions. Water column depth, transparency, temperature, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, alkalinity, hardness, pH, and total depth were measured. Total dissolved solids, total solids, nitrates (N–NO-3), nitrites (N–NO-2), ammoniacal nitrogen (N–NH+4), reactive soluble phosphorus (P–PO-34), and sulfates (S–SO-24) were determined. Root samples were taken from the three macrophytes with the greatest cover, placed in independent plastic jars, filled with distilled water, and fixed with Lugol's solution. Samples were treated to remove organic matter. Treated materials were mounted for light microscopy (LM), and for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The studied materials were deposited in the collection of the División Ficología del Museo de La Plata (LPC). Three new species are described as a result of this study: Eunotia ayapelensis nov. sp., Caloneis patiquensis nov. sp. and Gomphonema playaensis nov. sp.
Artificial ponds are aquatic ecosystems created by removing soil to raise embankments for transportation routes, fish production, or water reservoirs during the dry season. Often, these ponds are abandoned and colonized by vegetation both within and along their margins. Plant biodiversity associated with four artificial ponds at the Orinoquia Campus of the National University of Colombia was evaluated. These ponds were monitored at different stages of ecological succession, with estimated ages ranging from five to 30 years. Field work was conducted during the dry season (March) and the rainy season (June). For the inventory, 10 m interception lines and 1 m2 quadrants were used. A total of 43 species from 36 genera and 24 families were recorded. The families with the greatest richness were Cyperaceae (8 species), Poaceae (4), Fabaceae (4), Onagraceae (4), and Bignoniaceae (3). Dominant species included Cyperus blepharoleptos, Pityrogramma calomelanos, Eleocharis tiarata, Ludwigia sedioides, Salvinia auriculata, and Eleocharis jelskiana. There were no changes in species composition between the dry and rainy seasons; however, species composition varied with pond age. These artificial ponds provide permanent water resources for local biodiversity in the plains, but further research is needed to detail the ecosystem services they provide.
El Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) representa al tumor con mayor malignidad e incidencia y prevalencia de aquellos que se desarrollan a nivel de Sistema Nervioso Central (CNS). El uso de flavonoides ha venido tomando fuerza de forma alternativa y coadyuvante para contrarrestar la aparición y el desarrollo de diversos tipos de cáncer, dentro de ellos el GBM. El objetivo de esta revisión fue analizar el uso de flavonoides de diferentes fuentes vegetales en modelos experimentales de GBM en una ventana de búsqueda de diez años (2013-2023). Se revisaron cincuenta y un artículos dentro de los que se encuentran artículos originales y revisiones bibliográficas. En conclusión, los flavonoides han sido probados en diferentes modelos in vitro de GBM, disminuyendo la proliferación y la angiogénesis, activando vías de señalización y redireccionando la actividad celular a vías alternas que evoquen apoptosis y reparación celular.
En el Neotrópico, la diversidad de mariposas se encuentra amenazada por la pérdida y transformación de hábitats naturales, principalmente debido a la deforestación y la expansión de actividades humanas. En este contexto, las mariposas diurnas, reconocidas como bioindicadoras de calidad del hábitat, permiten evaluar el estado de los ecosistemas. El objetivo de este artículo fue determinar la diversidad de mariposas diurnas en la RNCE Uruki–El Manantial ubicada en el municipio de Florencia, Caquetá, con el fin de aportar información útil para su conservación. El muestreo se realizó durante 15 días en diciembre de 2022, en 10 estaciones de muestreo. En cada estación se instaló una trampa Van Someren-Rydon, activada alternadamente con fruta fermentada y pescado en descomposición, complementada con búsqueda activa mediante red entomológica. Se recolectaron 1.210 especímenes, pertenecientes a seis familias, 17 subfamilias y 95 especies. La familia Nymphalidae fue la más diversa (47,3%). La riqueza de especies varió según la cobertura vegetal, siendo mayor en bordes de bosques y pastizales, mientras que los bosques conservados albergaron una composición más especializada. Se registró un 54,7% de especies raras o poco comunes. Entre las más representativas estuvieron Hermeuptychia hermes (28,4%), Eurema daira y Anartia jatrophae (8,5% cada una), asociadas a ecosistemas con presiones antrópicas. También se registraron especies indicadoras de buen estado de conservación, como Callicore cynosura, Kolana ligurina, Bungalotis milleri, Morpho achilles y Archaeoprepona demophon (7%). Estos resultados destacan la importancia de implementar estrategias de conservación que integren el valor biocultural y ecoturístico en la Amazonia colombiana.
Occupational exposure to BTX compounds (benzene, toluene, and xylene) continues to pose significant health risks, especially in industrial settings where these solvents are widely used in the manufacturing of rubber, paints, and plastics. Benzene, classified as a Group one carcinogen by the IARC, has been linked to severe genotoxic effects, including DNA damage in bone marrow cells, increasing the risk of leukemia and aplastic anemia. Toluene and xylene, although less toxic, also present significant health concerns, particularly affecting vital organs and the central nervous system. This narrative review examines key biomarkers used to assess genotoxic damage in exposed workers, such as 8-oxoguanine, micronucleus assays, and gene expression analysis. Biomonitoring is emphasized as a critical strategy for early disease detection and the development of effective preventive measures. The review presents the strengths and limitations of these biomarkers and highlights their potential role in shaping future occupational health monitoring programs. By providing a comprehensive overview of current research, this work aims to support the implementation of policies that protect workers from hazardous chemical exposure and improve overall workplace safety.
Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) represents tumors that develop in the Central Nervous System (CNS) with the highest malignancy, incidence and prevalence. Flavonoid therapy has been gaining strength as an alternative adjuvant that counteracts the appearance and development of various cancers, including GBM. The objective of this review is to analyze the use of flavonoids in GBM therapy in a ten-year window (2013-2023). Fifty-one articles were reviewed, including original articles and bibliographic reviews. Flavonoids have been tested in different GBM in vitro models, decreasing proliferation and angiogenesis, activating signaling pathways and redirecting cell activity to alternative pathways that promote apoptosis and cell repair.
In the Neotropics, butterfly diversity is threatened by the loss and transformation of natural habitats, mainly due to deforestation and the expansion of human activities. Diurnal butterflies, recognized as bioindicators of habitat quality, allow for the evaluation of ecosystem conditions. The objective of this article was to determine the diversity of diurnal butterflies in the RNCE Uruki–El Manantial, located in the municipality of Florencia, Caquetá, to provide useful information for their conservation. Sampling was conducted over 15 days in December 2022, across 10 stations. At each station, a Van Someren-Rydon trap was installed, alternately baited with fermented fruit and decomposing fish, and complemented by active searching with an entomological net. A total of 1,210 specimens were collected, belonging to six families, 17 subfamilies, and 95 species. The family Nymphalidae was the most diverse (47.3%). Species richness varied with vegetation cover, being higher at forest edges and pastures, whereas conserved forests harbored a more specialized composition. A total of 54.7% of the species recorded were rare or uncommon. The most representative were Hermeuptychia hermes (28.4%), Eurema daira, and Anartia jatrophae (8.5% each), associated with habitats under anthropogenic pressure. Additionally, species indicative of well-preserved environments were recorded, including Callicore cynosura, Kolana ligurina, Bungalotis milleri, Morpho achilles, and Archaeoprepona demophon (7%). These results highlight the importance of implementing conservation strategies that integrate the biocultural and ecotourism value of butterflies in the Colombian Amazon.
This study provides the first record of the association between the cockroach Pelmatosilpha villana Saussure & Zehntner, 1893 (Blattodea: Blattidae) and three bromeliad species (Billbergia cf. vittata, Vriesea medusa, and Vriesea sp.) on rocky outcrops of Campo Rupestre in Pico do Itambé State Park, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Cockroaches, both juveniles and adults, were recorded in five bromeliads belonging to three species sheltered within the bromeliad rosettes, close to the phytotelmata. Given the saprophagous habit of cockroaches, it is likely that these insects exploit the organic matter accumulated in the bromeliads, potentially contributing to nutrient cycling. This interaction may benefit the bromeliads through the fragmentation and decomposition of organic material, thus promoting the release of essential nutrients, especially important in nutrient-poor soils such as those of the Campo Rupestre. These findings highlight the need for further research on the ecological interactions between cockroaches and bromeliads to better understand their ecological roles within this biome.
El riesgo de daño genotóxico asociado con la exposición ocupacional a compuestos (benceno, tolueno y xileno) BTX ha sido un problema ampliamente documentado y sigue siendo un desafío importante para la salud ocupacional. Estos compuestos, usados como disolventes industriales en la producción de caucho, pinturas y plásticos, son conocidos por su toxicidad. El benceno es clasificado como carcinógeno de tipo uno por la International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), mientras que el tolueno y el xileno son de tipo tres. La exposición prolongada al benceno puede provocar daño en el ácido desoxirribonucleico (ADN o DNA por sus siglas en inglés) de las células de la médula ósea, lo que incrementa el riesgo de leucemia y anemia aplásica. A su vez, el tolueno y el xileno causan efectos tóxicos en órganos vitales y el sistema nervioso central. Esta revisión narrativa describe los principales biomarcadores utilizados para evaluar el daño genotóxico en trabajadores expuestos a BTX, incluyendo la 8-oxoguanina, el análisis de micronúcleos y la expresión de genes específicos. Se destaca la importancia de la biomonitorización como herramienta para la evaluación de riesgo de daño en el ADN y la implementación de estrategias preventivas efectivas. Asimismo, se presentan las ventajas y limitaciones de los biomarcadores actuales y se propone su uso como base para futuros programas de vigilancia epidemiológica en entornos laborales. Este enfoque contribuye a la protección de la salud de los trabajadores y al desarrollo de políticas públicas informadas para minimizar el impacto de la exposición a sustancias químicas peligrosas.
The genus Phlebovirus is considered a medically important group of viruses due to the pathogenic behavior of some species. In the Americas, several species of this genus have been identified, most of which are found in Panamá. However, the lack of knowledge about the circulation of phleboviruses in Colombia led us to ask several questions, including the distribution of this pathogen in the Americas, especially in Caribbean coastal areas where ideal conditions for phlebovirus vectors exist. Here, we report the first detection of the genus Phlebovirus in phlebotomine sandfly communities from the Caribbean coast of Colombia. Sandflies were collected and pooled for ribonucleic acid (RNA) extraction and retrotranscription, all pools were tested for 18S ribosomal RNA and screened for phleboviruses by nested reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Positive products for the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) detection were sequenced. Four pools of 58 were positive for viruses belonging to the Punta Toro complex, Aguacate complex, Old-World viruses, and one related to sloth phleboviruses. This is the first evidence of phleboviruses in the Caribbean region of Colombia, especially of species related to the Punta Toro and Aguacate complex.
La producción mundial de plástico asciende a 6300 millones de toneladas, lo cual influye grandemente en la creciente contaminación por productos plásticos, originando un problema que afecta de diferentes maneras los ecosistemas, especialmente los de agua dulce, identificados recientemente como los principales sumideros de partículas plásticas ya que se encuentran directamente expuestos a los asentamientos humanos y por consiguiente a actividades antrópicas. La incorporación de microplásticos en la base de la red alimentaria se realiza a través de su ingestión por parte de macroinvertebrados de diferentes grupos funcionales, como (i) filtradores: Daphnia magna, (ii) trituradores: Gammarus pulex y Hyalella azteca, (iii) recolectores: Culex pipiens, Chironomus riparius, Chironomus tepperi y (iv) herbívoros como el caracol Physella acuta, lo cual puede conllevar al bloqueo del tracto digestivo, aumentar la mortalidad, disminuir la fecundidad, provocar respuestas inflamatorias, alterar el metabolismo, interrumpir la reproducción, cambiar el comportamiento y diesmar las reservas energéticas. En consecuencia, los microplásticos representan una amenaza para las comunidades de macroinvertebrados con graves consecuencias a nivel ecosistémico. Sin embargo, aún es necesario comprender los verdaderos riesgos de los microplásticos en los sistemas de agua dulce y otros ecosistemas teniendo en cuenta estructura, características funcionales y comportamiento de los organismos de estudio para concienciar la toma de decisiones del público. El presente artículo de revisión narrativa se realizó mediante la consulta de bases de datos nacionales e internacionales para compilar publicaciones que reflejen el estado actual de conocimiento del efecto de los microplásticos sobre las comunidades de macroinvertebrados de ecosistemas lóticos.
Las enfermedades autoinmunes son trastornos complejos caracterizados por una respuesta inmune anormal. En estas enfermedades, el sistema inmune identifica erróneamente diferentes componentes del propio organismo como extraños, lo que provoca inflamación crónica y daño en múltiples sistemas de órganos y tejidos. Los tratamientos actuales suelen implicar el uso de fármacos inmunosupresores que suprimen ampliamente la respuesta del sistema inmune. Aunque estos medicamentos pueden ayudar a aminorar los síntomas, también conlleva importantes efectos secundarios debido a su naturaleza inespecífica. La nanotecnología, a través de la nanomedicina, juega un papel crucial en el tratamiento de estas enfermedades, mejorando la eficacia terapéutica de los fármacos y minimizando su toxicidad. Esta tecnología permite mejorar la biodisponibilidad de los medicamentos, una distribución más precisa en el cuerpo y un control más exacto sobre la liberación de los fármacos. Las nanopartículas (NP) son fundamentales en este proceso, capaces de superar barreras biológicas y dirigir los medicamentos directamente a los sitios afectados, lo que aumenta su eficacia y reduce los efectos secundarios. Este enfoque es especialmente prometedor en el tratamiento de enfermedades autoinmunes y cáncer, donde las NP pueden dirigirse a células específicas, como los macrófagos, los monocitos, células dendríticas y linfocitos B, para entregar tratamientos de manera más efectiva, con menos toxicidad y efectos adversos. La investigación en nanotecnología continúa avanzando, ofreciendo esperanza para tratamientos más efectivos y personalizados.
Los estudios ecomorfológicos son importantes para comprender cómo una especie puede desempeñarse en un entorno de acuerdo con sus características morfológicas, permitiendo a futuro entender patrones de adaptación y diversificación evolutiva. Las salamandras en la familia Plethodontidae se encuentran ampliamente distribuidas en América y su especialización ecológica y filopatría las hace un grupo altamente vulnerable a cambios ambientales. En esta revisión, se buscó recopilar la información registrada sobre aspectos ecomorfológicos de la familia, para identificar patrones y vacíos de información que pueden encaminar futuras investigaciones. Por medio de una revisión sistemática de la literatura, se encontró que EEUU es el país que presenta mayor cantidad de estudios (43), seguido de Colombia (12) y Brasil (2). Una de las categorías más estudiadas es historia de vida y ecología y las menos estudiadas son biología del desarrollo, perturbación y ecofisiología. Se encontró que Bolitoglossa ha sido estudiada en un 29% a pesar de ser uno de los géneros más diversos. El 77% de los géneros con datos de altitud prefieren rangos altitudinales de los 800-1200 m s. n. m., temperatura entre los 15-20 °C y humedad relativa superior al 80%. Por último, salamandras de menor peso (<1 g) y SVL (>60 mm), tienden a usar una mayor altura de percha, probablemente relacionado a una mayor capacidad de escalada o un comportamiento de evasión. Se observa una oportunidad para investigar en géneros menos estudiados, puesto que esto permitirá tomar decisiones a futuro sobre su conservación.
High levels of species diversity and endemism in developing countries contrast with a dramatic expansion of human populations and urban development. This poses a challenge for wildlife and their ability to adapt to transformed and fragmented habitats. In the Neotropics, tamarins and marmosets (Primates: Callitrichidae) have established populations in urbanized areas, including the White-footed tamarin in north-western Colombia, where it is prone to metabolic syndrome presumably due to nutritional issues and reduced physical activity. We conducted an exploratory analysis of habitat use and activity budget of a group of the White-footed tamarin established in an isolated forest patch in Medellín, Colombia over a 12-month period. We applied multiple linear regressions to assess 1) the seasonal variation of diet and 2) the role of landscape features on the use of the available habitat. Resting was the most dominant behavior. The diet comprised a range of animal and plant items as well as a smaller proportion of anthropogenic food. The diet diversity showed an inverse relationship with the within-month humidity variation, indicating an adaptation to seasonal changes. The use of available area was associated with tree density and abundance of key plant species that are either consumed or used as part of corridors. Our results suggest that seasonal plasticity and generalist diet habits may be favored in species adapted to urbanized areas, but food oversupply may lead to sedentarism and compromise the health of urban fauna. Strategic planting of key tree species that provide food sources and facilitate dispersal is recommended.
Las microalgas son organismos productores utilizados como bioindicadores desde el siglo XIX. Se caracterizan por su rápida reproducción, sus ciclos de vida cortos y la facilidad de su colecta, y aunque su identificación es complicada, se han evaluado otros atributos como sus medidas morfológicas y sus rasgos funcionales, los cuales permiten hacer una rápida y eficiente valoración de estos organismos, subsanando algunos inconvenientes taxonómicos. En este trabajo se desarrolló una herramienta de evaluación de la salud ecosistémica del Complejo Cenagoso de Zapatosa (CCZ), basada en la composición y en las características biológicas y ecológicas de la comunidad de algas perifíticas, para determinar su integridad biótica y valorar el estado ecológico de este conjunto de ciénagas. Para ello, se analizó la composición de dichas algas en el CCZ, se evaluaron algunos aspectos de su morfología funcional y se seleccionaron las variables funcionales más apropiadas para la elaboración de un índice de integridad biótica (IIB) de esta comunidad. Los análisis matemáticos y estadísticos mostraron que los atributos seleccionados (dimensión lineal máxima, biovolumen, área superficial, exoesqueleto de sílice, mucílago, colonias, aerotopos y flagelos) fueron razonablemente apropiados para el desarrollo del IIB y que se correlacionaron con algunas variables ambientales. Con los resultados del IIB se discriminaron las condiciones ecológicas de las distintas zonas del CCZ. Sin embargo, el índice propuesto es una primera aproximación, que deberá desarrollarse en el futuro para lograr una herramienta de gestión y predicción eficaz, teniendo en cuenta los cambios estacionales en la hidrología del CCZ.
The genus Tamandua is made up of two species of anteaters, both with distribution in Colombia; Tamandua mexicana in the trans-Andean region and Tamandua tetradactyla in the Cisandina region, there being a sympatry zone in the center of the country, where individuals with intermediate phenotypes have been found, classified as Tamandua mexicana, despite not having the complete phenotype of this species. In this study, a genetic characterization of some individuals of the genus Tamandua was carried out, through a phylogenetic reconstruction by maximum likelihood and a Bayesian analysis, based on the mitochondrial markers Ribosomal RNA 16S (rRNA 16S), Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI), and the Hypervariable Region I of MitochondriaThe results show a genetic differentiation between the individuals of T. mexicana and T. tetradactyla, which supports the existence of two species for the genus, individuals with the intermediate phenotype do not show any tendency to form an isolated clade within the group of T. mexicana. These results are consistent with the current taxonomic classification of the genus, and do not support any further evolutionary process.
